“Don't underestimate the climate crisis, take action!”

For days, we have been battling a heatwave and talking about the climate crisis / catastrophe. In many countries, measures are being taken and practices and routines are being changed to counter temperatures that are far above seasonal norms. However, in our country, where extreme heat is not yet seen as a catastrophe, it is not possible to speak of any measures taken yet.

The root cause of problems such as the increase in epidemics in recent years, the decline in agricultural products and biodiversity, the onset of food shortages, forest fires, floods, and heatwaves lies in the climate crisis.

While the whole world is on alert for heatwaves just as it is for these other problems, we are once again talking about what is not being done in Turkey... Although non-governmental organizations, physician associations, and experts in the field are making efforts to draw attention to the issue, the habitual attitude of the authorized bodies remains, as always, to act as if there is no problem.

Public health experts, who criticize the attitude of the central authority toward the heatwave that is becoming a serious problem in Turkey as well, point out that this is nothing but indifference and are calling out: “Don't underestimate, take action.”

Experts who rebel by saying, “We have no preparation, no plan, no responsibility, no movement,” describe heatwaves as a “public health problem for which no measures are taken.”

EXTREME HEAT THREATENS RISK GROUPS

While we are struggling with an extreme heatwave that we are not at all accustomed to and that threatens life, the familiar institutions have failed to go beyond their familiar statements in this crisis as well. Experts in the field are trying to provide the information that authorized institutions are not providing by using their own social media accounts to warn the public.

Physicians, who state that public awareness needs to be increased, point out that the elderly, infants and children under five or six, those with chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and severe lung disease, and the homeless, who are at risk of heatstroke due to extreme heat, must be protected as a priority. They emphasize the necessity of warning those working in open areas and even taking additional measures such as regulating working hours and breaks for these groups.

It is known that problems that are ignored and whose data are not recorded cause a decrease in the “risk perception” in society. In other words, the existing problem is not taken seriously enough, and it is not given the importance and care it deserves. When the society as a whole views the problem as an unimportant, temporary situation, individuals do not follow the advice given to them and do not take the necessary health precautions.

It is common knowledge that even in a global pandemic like Covid-19, data in Turkey were not disclosed transparently. It is known that the causes of death for some of those who passed away due to Covid-19 infection were recorded by writing different justifications. It is also doubtful how these cases will be reflected in official records when thousands of chronic patients who will be affected by the disaster-level heatwave we have been experiencing in recent days apply to emergency services in a life-threatening condition.

While the situation is like this for us, let us also share the data showing the dimensions the problem has reached worldwide.

HEAT-RELATED DEATHS ARE INCREASING EVERY YEAR

According to a statement by the World Health Organization based on articles published in reference medical journals such as The Lancet, Nature, and PubMed, heat-related deaths in the population over 65 increased by approximately 85 percent when comparing the 2000-2004 average with the 2017-2021 average.

Studies conducted between 2000 and 2019 reveal that approximately 489 thousand heat-related deaths occur each year.

In an examination of Eurostat (European Statistical Office) data, it was determined that 61 thousand 672 people died due to intense temperature increases in 35 countries in Europe between May 30 and September 4, 2022. It was reported that the highest number of deaths occurred in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal.

A study examining heatwaves in Istanbul between 2004 and 2017 also revealed that there were 4 thousand 281 excess deaths due to extreme heat.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION WARNINGS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a guide published for relevant institutions to identify and manage extreme heat risks. According to this, the negative health effects of heat are predictable and can be largely prevented with certain interventions, thus saving lives at risk.

According to the WHO, the frequency and intensity of extreme heatwaves will continue to increase in the 21st century due to climate change. Warning that prolonged high daytime and nighttime temperature conditions increase the risk of illness and death, the WHO stated, “Heatwaves can affect large populations, trigger emergencies, and lead to excessive mortality rates and labor loss.” It was pointed out that societies have become more sensitive to negative heat effects, especially due to the aging of the population and chronic diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, kidney disease, and musculoskeletal diseases. Furthermore, it was stated that outdoor workers, manual laborers, and athletes are exposed to extreme heat due to their work and are sensitive to heat stress caused by exertion. A warning was issued that extreme temperatures exacerbate health risks stemming from chronic conditions and strain the heart, and can even cause acute kidney injury.

COULD THE PARIS OLYMPICS BE THE LAST GAMES HELD IN SUMMER?

Nutrition and diet expert, and also a sustainable living ambassador, Dilara Koçak, mentioned on her social media account that the Paris Olympics could be the last Olympics held in the summer season due to the climate crisis.

Stating that it is predicted that it will no longer be very possible to hold the Olympics in the summer months due to the trend in climate change, Koçak says in her post: “The world is changing. The climate crisis is not something abstract. It changes people's simplest daily life habits, psychology, technology, diseases, animal and plant species, and even the age at which girls enter puberty. For example, new regulations suitable for hot weather have been introduced for working hours in many European countries. It seems that the Olympics will inevitably be affected by this.”

She provides information that many measures have been taken for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, such as using geothermal cooling systems instead of air conditioning and planning the game times according to the sun. Because there is an expectation that the “hottest Olympics” record could be broken this year. According to the report, the number of days in Paris when temperature values are above 30 degrees has increased. It is emphasized that this situation could threaten the health of athletes and even pose a vital risk.

Dilara Koçak explains that athletes are hesitant to talk about the effect of heat on performance, thinking it might be perceived as a weakness.

In the report titled “Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics,” which Dilara Koçak draws attention to, the findings and measures state that cooler months should now be chosen for the Olympics. Establishing cooling facilities for athletes is another recommendation. Among the important recommendations are that climate change should be voiced by athletes, campaigns should be organized, and fossil fuel sponsorships should be removed to increase incentives for green energy.

In Dilara Koçak’s “Guide to Surviving Hot Weather,” there are the following suggestions:

Ice is not the solution: Do not reach for ice and iced foods every time to cool down. Frozen yogurt or fruit, ice cream, sugary drinks, and drinking water with ice provide momentary cooling, but if you overdo it, you disrupt your body's heat balance. As your body tries to digest these foods, your overall body temperature rises, so you need to cool down again in a very short time.

Water is the most effective solution: Drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water a day to regain the water you lose through urine, sweating, and breathing. Also, consume 1-2 bottles of mineral water to protect yourself from side effects such as headaches, tingling, and muscle cramps that electrolyte deficiency will cause.

For disrupted sleep patterns: Do not consume caffeinated drinks in the evening; drink lemon balm or chamomile tea cold. Sour cherry and cherry support your sleep quality with their melatonin content, known as the sleep hormone, and pumpkin seeds with their tryptophan and magnesium content. Also, prepare a cold water spray and keep it by your bedside, and use it as needed throughout the night.

Watch what you eat: To get rid of the fatigue of the sun you are exposed to all day, eat a Mediterranean-style dinner. Leafy green vegetables, fruits, salads, cold soups, olive oil dishes, and fish can be preferred.

WAYS TO STAY COOL IN THE HEAT

The recommendations prepared by the World Health Organization, which reports that the negative health effects of hot weather can be prevented with public health practices, for the #KeepCool campaign it launched to adapt to rising temperatures are as follows:

Keep your home cool. Use the night air to cool your home. During the day, reduce the heat load inside your home by closing blinds and shutters.

Avoid going out and engaging in strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day; stay in the shade. If possible, spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place, in an air-conditioned environment.

Do not leave children and pets in parked vehicles.

Choose light, loose clothing to keep your body cool, and take frequent showers.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine.