US Heat Hospitalizations May Reach 237,000 by 2040 as Annual Costs Top $1 Billion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 9
US Heat Hospitalizations May Reach 237,000 by 2040 as Annual Costs Top $1 Billion
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 9
Summary
A new GeoHealth study projects US heat-related emergency visits and hospitalizations will rise from about 109,000 a year to as many as 237,000 by 2040.
Annual healthcare costs tied to those illnesses are expected to nearly double to more than $1 billion as hotter summers intensify and vulnerable residents struggle to stay cool.
California metros and Las Vegas are forecast to see the largest total caseloads, while the northeast and Ohio Valley could face the sharpest health impacts from individual heat events.
Older people, those with existing conditions, outdoor workers and lower-income households face the greatest risk, especially as average summer electricity bills near $800, up more than 10% from last year.
The warning comes after the hottest US March on record and amid cuts to federal heat-response programs, leaving many cities—particularly in cooler northern regions—poorly prepared for worsening extreme heat.
If heat's deadly impacts are predictable, what is the biggest obstacle preventing effective public health action in the US?
Can cities build 'climate-proof' neighborhoods fast enough to save lives from rising temperatures?
The Rising Health and Economic Toll of Extreme Heat: Projected U.S. Hospitalizations, Costs, and Solutions Through 2040
Overview
Extreme heat is quickly becoming a major public health threat with serious effects on both individuals and the economy. Many people who suffer from heat-related illnesses do not seek medical help, so the true impact is often underestimated. Official statistics may not show the full scale of the problem, and extreme heat can also harm mental health. Recent heatwaves have caused thousands of hospitalizations and widespread harm, and these events are expected to become more frequent and intense. Importantly, the burden of extreme heat is not shared equally, with some groups facing much higher risks than others.