Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş: Extreme heat is now a deadly public health issue

Pointing out that similar risks are growing rapidly for Turkey, where temperatures are expected to remain above seasonal norms in August, Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş, a member of the Board of Directors of the Boğaziçi University Center for Climate Change and Policy Studies, warned, "Extreme heat is now a deadly public health issue."

Recent scientific assessments regarding the extreme heatwave in Europe reveal that the number of excess deaths has exceeded 10,000. While the World Health Organization and international climate scientists emphasize that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, they state that the heatwave has become much more likely and much more severe due to human-induced climate change. 

Turning into a multidimensional crisis

Temperatures are expected to remain above seasonal norms in August as well. Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş, a member of the Board of Directors of the Boğaziçi University Center for Climate Change and Policy Studies, stated that similar risks are growing rapidly for Turkey, adding that climate change has now turned into a multidimensional crisis that directly threatens not only the environment but also human health, the economy, and daily life.

Stating that one of the greatest impacts of climate change is seen on human health, Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş noted that heatwaves, in particular, now pose a serious public health threat.

Emphasizing that the number of days with temperatures above 40 degrees is increasing in Turkey, especially in the Aegean, Mediterranean, Southeastern Anatolia regions, and major cities, Türkeş said that the failure of nighttime temperatures to drop increases the risk of death, especially for the elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, and those working outdoors. Pointing out that prolonged heatwaves increase the incidence of heatstroke, heart attacks, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and respiratory diseases, Türkeş stated that cities must be made resilient to climate change.

"Concrete cities do not cool down even at night"

Prof. Türkeş assessed, "The real danger is not just the extreme temperatures experienced during the day; it is the fact that the human body cannot recover because the temperature does not drop at night. This is one of the main factors that increases the risk of death, especially in large cities."

Stating that the "urban heat island" effect is growing in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Antalya, Mersin, and Diyarbakır, Türkeş said that air temperatures do not drop even at night due to urbanization.

For this reason, emphasizing that local governments must implement Urban Heat Action Plans without delay, Türkeş stated that increasing green spaces, expanding shading systems, and climate-friendly urban planning have now become a necessity. Türkeş warned, "Just as disaster plans are prepared for earthquakes, cities now need to prepare Heat Health Action Plans for heatwaves."

Air pollution also increases health risks

Pointing out that high temperatures also increase air pollution, Türkeş said that the increase in surface ozone and fine particulate pollution poses a significant risk, especially for asthma, COPD, allergic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Drought will affect not only agriculture but also tables and health

Emphasizing that drought is no longer just a problem for farmers, Türkeş stated that serious pressures could arise on water scarcity, food supply, and public health in the coming years.

Stating that water cuts could increase hygiene problems and that contaminated water sources could raise the risk of infectious diseases, Türkeş said that losses in agricultural production could also drive up food prices.

How will our lives change in the next 5-10 years?

According to Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş, climate change is no longer shaping the future, but the daily life of today.

The main changes awaiting Turkey are as follows:

The number of extreme heat days will increase rapidly.

Floods, hail, and sudden downpours will occur more frequently.

Water stress will become more pronounced in major cities.

Electricity consumption due to air conditioning use in summer months could reach record levels.

Fluctuations in wheat, sunflower, olive, vegetable, and fruit production may occur due to drought.

Volatility and increases in food prices may be observed.

Municipalities may use water-saving practices and tiered pricing more widely.

Working outdoors during midday hours will become increasingly difficult.

Disaster risks and insurance costs may increase.

Internal migration movements linked to drought and agricultural losses may accelerate.

"The measure not taken today will be tomorrow's greatest cost"

Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş stated that no time should be lost in the fight against climate change and made the following assessment: "What is happening in Europe is not a scenario of the future, but the reality of today. Turkey is also within the same climate system. Extreme heat is no longer just a meteorological event; it has become a deadly risk that directly affects public health, the economy, and urban life. Every measure not taken today will appear before us as a much heavier health and economic bill tomorrow."

Prof. Dr. Murat Türkeş listed the 5 prominent climate risks for Turkey as follows:

• Extreme heat and heatwaves will be seen more frequently.

• The intensity of floods, hail, tornadoes, and sudden downpours will increase.

• Pressure on water resources will grow.

• Fluctuations will occur in food production and prices.

• Health problems and the risk of internal migration will increase due to climate change.