Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggests that rising temperatures due to climate change could escalate Irish hospital admissions for related health conditions by 12.2 percent in the forthcoming hotter weather seasons.
The study, which was published on Wednesday, concludes that the health of Irish inhabitants is already exhibiting direct and indirect climate change impacts. During the period between 2015-2019, hospital admissions for illnesses influenced by thermal conditions escalated by 8.5 percent on warm days (22-25 degrees) as against moderate temperature days (10-13 degrees).
On hotter days, substantial escalation in hospitalisations was noticed for individuals with circulatory, respiratory, and infectious diseases, particularly among the younger age group (0-14 years).
The study suggests that, particularly among older individual, advanced notification of extremely warm days can assist people in modifying their behaviours, which was observed on days with temperatures over 25 degrees.
In light of temperature rises affecting Ireland’s public health due to climate change, the paper aims to evaluate the link’s evidence for the first time, juxtaposing the temperature data from the Met Éireann and the hospitalisation information from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data set. The compilation illustrates a significant spike in hospitalisations for temperature-related health issues due to temperature rises.
The document also employs data from the Met Éireann and computations executed by the Irish Centre for High-End Computing to produce estimates on temperature and their resultant effects.
Considering an average annual temperature rise of 1-1.6 degrees by 2041-2060, compared to 1981-2000, under the most probable scenario, health conditions associated with rising temperatures are expected to see a 12.2 percent augmentation in hospitalisations during periods of hotter weather.
Additionally, it is believed that under the most likely climate change scenario, there would be about 483 additional deaths annually due to excess mortality, accentuating the advantages of climate action. In a pessimistic climate change scenario, this figure could potentially hit 1,400 extra deaths every year in Ireland by century end.
Dr Anne Nolan, from ERIS, asserts that the study presents evidence of increased hospitalisation rates linked with elevated temperatures, even in relatively temperate climates like Ireland.
Findings clearly underscore the necessity for officials in countries with moderate climates, such as Ireland, to enact adaptive strategies and expand infrastructure to cater to the augmented demand in hospitals due to rising temperatures, particularly in the summer season,” she further commented. This study was financially backed by the IHF and ICS, and was also endorsed by the EPA.