OSIJEK, CROATIA – A recent study has highlighted a concerning trend in European cities, particularly in Osijek, Croatia, which has seen an unusually high number of heat-related deaths. According to the Lancet Planetary Health journal, Osijek has recorded more deaths per 100,000 person-years than any other city on the continent over the last two decades.
The exact reasons behind the high mortality in Osijek remain unknown, but scientists believe that local diet, stagnant water sources, and pre-existing illnesses could be contributing factors. Despite the city’s abundance of green spaces, the heat-related deaths continue to rise, with experts warning of a potential worsening of the situation without urgent intervention.
In addition to the heat, another concern is the increase in mosquitoes in the area. The summer heat waves and floods have led to a growing population of mosquitoes, which could potentially result in the spread of infectious diseases in the coming years. However, the current mosquito population does not carry diseases such as malaria.
To address the issue of heat-related deaths, individuals are advised to stay hydrated, remain indoors during hot weather, and avoid alcohol consumption. On a larger scale, governmental intervention is crucial, with experts suggesting measures such as planting more trees in urban areas to combat the urban heat island effect and reduce temperatures. Furthermore, reducing urban traffic can help lessen planet-warming pollution, which contributes to trapping heat in the atmosphere.
In summary, despite the presence of green spaces, Osijek, Croatia, is experiencing a concerning trend of heat-related deaths, with the exact cause of the issue remaining unknown. However, efforts to mitigate the effects of heat, such as planting more trees and reducing urban traffic, are seen as potential solutions to address the concerning mortality rate.