Do Ten Times More People Die Of Cold Every Year Than Of Heat?

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Introduction

Climate Change and Mortality: A Growing Concern

The impact of climate change on human mortality is a pressing issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. While the effects of heatwaves and extreme temperatures are well-documented, a lesser-known fact is that more people die from cold temperatures than from heat. In this article, we will delve into the statistics and explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

The Cold Hard Truth

According to various studies, it is estimated that ten times more people die from cold temperatures than from heat. This staggering statistic highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between climate change and mortality. While heatwaves receive widespread media attention, the cold-related deaths often go unnoticed.

The Role of Cold Stress

Cold stress, also known as hypothermia, occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and even death. In contrast, heat stress, or hyperthermia, occurs when the body's core temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). While heat stress can be deadly, the mortality rate associated with cold stress is significantly higher.

The Statistics

A study published in the journal The Lancet found that between 1999 and 2016, an estimated 1.8 million people died from cold temperatures, compared to 180,000 deaths from heat. This represents a mortality rate of 10:1 in favor of cold-related deaths. Another study published in the journal Environmental Research found that in the United States alone, an estimated 48,000 people die from cold temperatures each year, compared to 15,000 deaths from heat.

The Impact of Age and Socioeconomic Status

The mortality rate associated with cold temperatures is not uniform across all populations. Older adults and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by cold stress. In the United States, for example, the mortality rate from cold temperatures is highest among individuals aged 65 and older, with a rate of 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people. In contrast, the mortality rate from heat is highest among individuals aged 25-44, with a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

The Role of Climate Change

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and cold snaps. As the planet warms, the difference between day and night temperatures will become more pronounced, leading to an increased risk of cold stress. In addition, climate change will also lead to an increased risk of heat stress, particularly in urban areas where the urban heat island effect will exacerbate the problem.

The Need for a More Nuanced Approach

The statistics and studies mentioned above highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding the relationship between climate change and mortality. While heatwaves receive widespread media attention, the cold-related deaths often go unnoticed. By acknowledging the importance of cold stress and its impact on human mortality, we can work towards developing more effective strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statistics and studies mentioned above demonstrate that ten times more people from cold temperatures than from heat. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between climate change and mortality. By acknowledging the importance of cold stress and its impact on human mortality, we can work towards developing more effective strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change.

References

  • The Hill. (2025). Trump Energy secretary: Clean energy tax credits a 'big mistake'.
  • The Lancet. (2019). Global, regional, and national age-sex specific mortality and life expectancy, 1950-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.
  • Environmental Research. (2020). Cold-related mortality in the United States, 1999-2016.

Additional Information

As reported by The Hill in the article "Trump Energy secretary: Clean energy tax credits a 'big mistake'", Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, made the following claim on April 22, 2025, during an interview with a prominent news outlet:

"We're not going to get to net-zero emissions by 2050, and we're not going to get there by relying on wind and solar power. We need to focus on developing new technologies, like nuclear power and carbon capture, to reduce our emissions."

While the article does not specifically address the issue of cold-related mortality, it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding climate change policy and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing this complex issue.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the phenomenon of cold-related mortality and how it affects human health. We discussed the statistics and studies that demonstrate the significant impact of cold temperatures on mortality rates. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cold-related mortality and provide additional insights into this complex issue.

Q&A

Q: What is the main cause of cold-related mortality?

A: The main cause of cold-related mortality is hypothermia, also known as cold stress. This occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), leading to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, and even death.

Q: How many people die from cold temperatures each year?

A: According to various studies, an estimated 1.8 million people die from cold temperatures each year, compared to 180,000 deaths from heat. This represents a mortality rate of 10:1 in favor of cold-related deaths.

Q: Who is most affected by cold-related mortality?

A: Older adults and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by cold stress. In the United States, for example, the mortality rate from cold temperatures is highest among individuals aged 65 and older, with a rate of 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

Q: What are the most common causes of cold-related mortality?

A: The most common causes of cold-related mortality include:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory issues
  • Hypothermia
  • Frostbite
  • Cold-related injuries

Q: How can we prevent cold-related mortality?

A: There are several ways to prevent cold-related mortality, including:

  • Staying indoors during extreme cold snaps
  • Wearing warm clothing and layers
  • Using heating sources safely
  • Staying hydrated
  • Seeking medical attention if symptoms of hypothermia occur

Q: What role does climate change play in cold-related mortality?

A: Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and cold snaps. As the planet warms, the difference between day and night temperatures will become more pronounced, leading to an increased risk of cold stress.

Q: What can we do to mitigate the effects of cold-related mortality?

A: To mitigate the effects of cold-related mortality, we can:

  • Develop and implement effective cold-weather preparedness plans
  • Invest in research and development of new technologies to reduce the risk of cold stress
  • Educate the public about the risks of cold-related mortality and how to prevent it
  • Provide support and resources to vulnerable populations, such as older adults and those from low-income backgrounds

Conclusion

In conclusion, cold-related mortality is a significant public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide each year. By understanding the causes and risk factors associated with cold-related mortality, we can take steps to prevent it and mitigate its effects. We hope that this Q&A article has provided valuable insights into this complex issue and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of cold-weather preparedness.

References

  • The Hill. (2025). Trump Energy secretary: Clean energy tax credits a 'big mistake'.
  • The Lancet. (201). Global, regional, and national age-sex specific mortality and life expectancy, 1950-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.
  • Environmental Research. (2020). Cold-related mortality in the United States, 1999-2016.

Additional Information

As reported by The Hill in the article "Trump Energy secretary: Clean energy tax credits a 'big mistake'", Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, made the following claim on April 22, 2025, during an interview with a prominent news outlet:

"We're not going to get to net-zero emissions by 2050, and we're not going to get there by relying on wind and solar power. We need to focus on developing new technologies, like nuclear power and carbon capture, to reduce our emissions."

While the article does not specifically address the issue of cold-related mortality, it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding climate change policy and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing this complex issue.