Last year there were 231 heat-related deaths in Austria. In 2023, the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) expects 300 to 500 victims. The heat protection plan needs to be adjusted.
The heat waves, which are becoming more frequent and longer lasting, would mainly affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with previous illnesses, Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) said on Thursday.
Climate change also has a social aspect
Accompanied by Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler, Upper Austrian Environment Minister Stefan Kaineder and Linz Environmental Council Member Eva Schobesberger (all Greens) and environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter, the minister emphasized the social aspect of climate change. Because especially people who live cramped and have no money for air conditioning, good insulation or a swimming pool suffer from it.
Heat affects performance and mood
It is important to protect those who are particularly affected. In principle, however, everyone notices the effects: “You will not be able to perform optimally, both mentally and physically, that is impossible”, would underestimate mental and psychological moments, for example due to the lack of rest at night.
Cooling rooms for recreation
Rauch has therefore now “compared the heat protection plan with international experiences”, according to the minister. “The changes should come into effect as early as summer 2024.” As examples of possible measures, he mentioned the creation of cold rooms “both inside and outside” where people whose homes are too warm can recover.
It’s also about how best to publicize heat warnings, raise awareness or equip hospitals and nursing homes. Many medicines should also be dosed differently in the heat.
Source: Krone
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