Intense Spanish heat waves may cause more extensive damage than originally anticipated
The mental health effects of heatwaves in Spain are becoming increasingly significant and are expected to worsen in the coming decades due to climate change. A recent study, conducted by the University of Adelaide and applicable to southern Europe including Spain, reveals that prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts, particularly affecting young people[1].
The study projects a 50% increase in heat-related mental and behavioral disorders in the coming decades if urgent measures are not taken. This increase is particularly concerning for regions like Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Valencian Community in Spain, which present favourable conditions for a higher incidence of mental health problems due to high sun exposure and recurring heatwaves[1].
Northern Spanish regions, less accustomed to heat extremes, are also expected to suffer increasing mental health impacts as heatwaves become more common. The study found that for every degree increase in average daily temperature, emergency visits for suicidal thoughts among adolescents increase by 1.3%, underscoring the direct link between rising temperatures and worsening youth mental health[1].
Heatwaves also exacerbate mental health challenges in urban areas where the urban heat island effect intensifies heat stress, contributing to increased anxiety and depression among vulnerable groups. Spain’s health system is responding by promoting hydration, monitoring vulnerable populations, and creating climate refuges, especially in major cities like Madrid[3].
The research team cross-referenced temperature data with health statistics to calculate the number of healthy life years lost due to heat-related mental illness. The study estimates that more than 8,400 years of life have been lost annually between 2003 and 2018 in Australia due to heat-related mental illness[2].
Dr. Jingwen Liu emphasized that the impact of heat on mental health goes beyond population growth. Ignoring the silent component of the climate crisis could further aggravate its consequences in the medium and long term, as warned by Peng Bi, the lead author of the study[2].
The researchers predict that heatwaves in Spain will increasingly impact mental health by aggravating disorders and increasing emergency mental health incidents, particularly among youth. These effects might increase by up to 50% in the coming decades if climate trends continue without stronger health and climate adaptation strategies[1][3].
The urgent need to integrate mental health into climate emergency plans has never been more apparent. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, it is crucial to address the mental health crisis that is accompanying it.
References: [1] Peng Bi, et al., "Heatwaves and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Environmental Health, 2021. [2] University of Adelaide, "Heatwaves and Mental Health: The Silent Crisis," Press Release, 2021. [3] Spanish Ministry of Health, "Heatwave Response Plan," 2022.
- The urgent need to integrate mental health into environmental science and climate change adaptation strategies is emphasized, as the silent crisis of mental health issues exacerbated by heatwaves might increase by up to 50% in the coming decades, with significant impacts on health-and-wellness, particularly among youth.
- In the face of the climate crisis, the interconnection between science, climate change, and mental health cannot be ignored. The study projects that emerging heatwaves could further aggravate mental health disorders, such as anxiety and schizophrenia, within environmental-science research, especially in regions with high sun exposure and recurring heatwaves, like Spain.
