Climate change and demand of emergency care in Japan.

Abstract

Both the frequency and severity of heat stress-related health problems have been increasing globally, probably due to global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a landmark climate report, the 6th Assessment Report, which shocked the world. It emphasized that anthropogenic activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, oil, gas, and coal, were responsible for climate change. The combination of population aging, and increased temperatures has meant that the number of people requiring emergency transport for heatstroke has been increasing in Japan from 2008 to 2020. The increase in ambient temperatures and the number of patients requiring emergency transport were strongly correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient: r=0.669 and P=0.008). Like many human activities, medical care is resource intensive and contributes significantly to climate change through the consumption of energy and water, as well as the emission of greenhouse gases. As healthcare professionals, we need to be cognizant of how our eco-friendly activities both on and off the job can contribute to saving both the patients and us.