The Impact of Heatwaves on Population Health and Healthcare Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change is an inevitable effect of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is contributing to a dramatic increase in weather-related disasters (WRDs). Among these, heatwaves are defined as periods when temperatures—or temperatures in combination with other factors—are unusually and hazardously high. Heatwaves are increasing both in intensity and frequency and are undoubtedly posing a severe risk for humankind, resulting in higher mortality and morbidity. The current available literature is focused on all-cause and specific-cause mortality, but also demonstrates the increased morbidity of populations, especially in cases of frail strata (e.g., the elderly, subjects with chronic or psychiatric disease). Heatwaves also cause overload of emergency health services, with a steep increase in emergency department visits, ambulance calls, and/or hospital admissions having been reported by several authors from different countries. However, evidence evaluating the efficacy of adaptation strategies and interventions is scarce.  We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Papers addressing current gaps in relation to the effects of heatwaves on populations and healthcare systems and aiming to provide high-quality, useful evidence to stakeholders are welcome, especially original studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Matteo Paganini
Prof. Dr. Enrico M. Camporesi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• disaster medicine
• global health
• public health
• epidemiology
• heatwave
• climate change