52K may perish in global heatwave

Tropical, subtropical regions will be worst affected

Heatwave deaths will “increase dramatically” within 60 years due to global warming, researchers warn.

If people fail to adapt, the worst case scenario is a 471 per cent spike in heatwave- induced deaths — the equivalent of 52,000 people.

Tropical and subtropical regions will be worst affected, closely followed by Europe, Australia, and the US, researchers warned.

The study comes as many countries around the world have been affected by severe heatwaves, leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands more suffering from heatstrokerelated illnesses.

The report, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, is the first global study to predict future heatwave- related deaths.

“Under extreme climate change scenario and high variant population change scenario, the total predicted annual death number is 51,795,” co- author of the study associate Professor Yuming Guo from Monash University in Australia, told MailOnline.

The study projected “excess mortality” in relation to heatwaves in the future under different scenarios, determined by the levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Other factors were also taken into account, including preparedness, adaption strategies and population density.

Researchers developed a model to estimate deaths related to heatwaves in 412 communities across 20 countries between 2031 and 2080.

Many countries have been affected by severe heatwaves, leaving thousands dead and thousands more suffering from heatstroke- related illnesses

If people fail to adapt, the worst case scenario is a 471 per cent spike in heatwaveinduced deaths