Stunning results out of the comprehensive research examining the effects of hot air waves on health. According to the results of the research, which reveals the fragile structure of Istanbul against climate change, temperature increases increase the risk of death by 19.5 percent in some districts of Istanbul. The study shows that the risk of death has increased significantly in the regions where urbanization is sparse, and shows that the density of the elderly population in the districts of Istanbul, such as Islands, Şile and Kadıköy, has folded this risk.
3 districts
According to experts, the main reason for this is that the population living in these regions is unprepared for hot air waves and the high rate of elderly. Especially in the districts such as the islands, Şile and Kadıköy, where the population over 65 years of age is intense, the risk is increasing. If the temperatures exceed critical levels, the risk of death of elderly individuals increases to 21 percent, while the young population remains at 8.5 percent. One of the most remarkable findings of the study is that some diseases significantly increase fragility against hot air waves. The risk of death in individuals with cerebrovascular discomfort increased to 53.4 percent, while this rate was measured as 40.7 percent in individuals with respiratory disorders.
There must be risk maps
Environmental Engineer Dr. Merve Yilmaz said: “Hot waves in Istanbul are no longer a matter of comfort, a vital threat. Especially when the increase of the elderly population, local governments need to prepare emergency measures packages. Health services should be strengthened in the most fragile regions by creating risk maps. It is obvious that Istanbul needs a comprehensive action plan against the effects of climate change on health. Otherwise, summer months will become increasingly dangerous for the elderly and chronic patients. “
Heat island effect
“Beyoğlu, Fatih, Beşiktaş, Şişli, where urbanization is very intense in Istanbul
Zeytinburnu, Kağıthane, Ümraniye, Bakırköy, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Esenyurt,
Bayrampaşa, Gaziosmanpaşa, Bahçelievler, Güngören, Ataşehir and Bağcılar
In the regions covering its districts, the increase in death risk associated with high temperatures is 15.9 percent
level. In the summer months, the temperatures measured and felt in these districts, urban heat island
It is known to be higher with its effect. Therefore, living in these districts and thermal
The ability to comply with the hot air waves of people who are exposed to stress more frequently
It seems to be higher. “
The risk of death is increasing
Yılmaz, who listed the highest risk districts; In addition, he said: “Islands, Arnavutkoy, Avcılar, Beykoz, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Çekmeköy, Esenler, Eyüp, Pendik, Sancaktepe, Sarıyer, Silivri, Şile and Tuzla in areas where urbanization density such as lower, high temperatures associated with hot air waves increases by 19.5 percent. Arnavutköy, Silivri, Sarıyer, Tuzla,
The higher cumulative intensity of the hot air waves observed in Çekmeköy and Ümraniye districts increases the fragility of these regions. On the other hand, Başakşehir, Maltepe, Sultangazi, Kartal, Beylikdüzü, Sultanbeyli and Küçükçekmece, such as urbanization is intense 8.5 percent of this increase is observed. “
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