The Universidad Iberoamericana warns that climate change will increase mortality rates in Mexico by 15% due to extreme weather events, highlighting a more severe impact on public health than is usually perceived.
The effects of adverse weather conditions, such as cyclones and heatwaves, extend beyond immediate damage, causing health consequences that can last for weeks.
The study emphasizes that it is no longer just an environmental challenge but a health crisis that directly affects mortality, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
Scientific research highlights that the health effects continue up to two months after these disasters, increasing issues such as respiratory diseases and mental disorders.
The accelerated global warming is expanding this health crisis, increasing the proliferation of bacteria in water sources and worsening allergies, leading to an increase in deaths from extreme heatwaves.
This problem particularly affects children and the elderly, who, due to a lack of resources, suffer more from the consequences, amplified by social inequality.
The study’s figures are alarming: after disasters, mortality from accidents can rise up to 70%, and respiratory diseases can double. Additionally, mental disorders can increase by 50%, and infectious diseases also double.
These weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, produce a cascading effect, affecting health infrastructure and the recovery capacity of communities, reinforcing the need for preventive measures.
Mortality in Mexico
Extreme heat favors the growth of pathogens and the presence of allergens, exacerbating respiratory conditions. According to the WHO, heat stress is now one of the leading causes of climate-associated mortality.
Flooding and heavy rains also promote the spread of infectious diseases, especially in areas with poor health infrastructure.
The study highlights that the most affected are children, the elderly, and chronically ill patients, and that factors such as income level and housing quality amplify the effects of climate change.
Research from the IPCC indicates social vulnerability as a key determinant in the impact of climate change on health.
Mexico faces high exposure to extreme phenomena, such as hurricanes and floods, with significant economic losses related to meteorological disasters.
Cenapred reports that in 2024, hydrometeorological events accounted for 83.6% of economic losses from disasters.
It is projected that the temperature in Mexico could rise between 1.4 and 2.5°C by 2060, intensifying weather phenomena and increasing pressure on health systems.
To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen prevention, and prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations.
The World Bank suggests that every dollar invested in prevention could save up to 4 dollars in future damages, highlighting the importance of preventive action.
The danger is imminent and requires an urgent institutional response to safeguard lives and mitigate the economic impact.
