URGENT UPDATE: New research from Mass General Brigham reveals alarming statistics regarding temperature-related deaths in the United States, with over 69,000 fatalities recorded over the past 25 years. This significant study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the urgent need for public health interventions as climate change intensifies.
The research, led by Shady Abohashem, MD, MPH, involved a comprehensive analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigators found that between 1999 and 2024, there were 69,713,971 total deaths, with 69,256 attributed to extreme temperature exposure—approximately one out of every 1,000 deaths. Alarmingly, 65% of these deaths were cold-related, yet the rate of heat-related fatalities is expected to rise as climate change accelerates.
Dr. Abohashem emphasized the gravity of these findings:
“Our findings show that both heat and cold exposure continue to claim thousands of lives every year in the United States, deaths that are largely preventable.”
The study indicates that older adults (≥65 years) and males are particularly vulnerable, facing significantly higher mortality rates from temperature extremes.
Disparities in impact are stark, with Black individuals experiencing the highest adjusted mortality rates for heat exposure—more than double that of their white counterparts. The data also reveals that cold-related mortality rates are highest among Black individuals, followed by White and Hispanic populations.
As climate change continues to increase the risks of severe weather events, Abohashem calls for immediate action:
“Our findings underscore the need for targeted adaptation strategies, like improving housing quality, access to cooling and heating, and early-warning systems, to protect vulnerable groups as climate extremes intensify.”
This study sheds light on the populations most affected by temperature-related deaths and urges a shift in public health strategies to address these urgent issues. With thousands of lives at stake, it is clear that immediate measures are necessary to combat the growing threats posed by extreme temperatures.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
