Current climatic conditions. - Berlin's Statistical Office Reports: Over one hundred heat-related fatalities in 2023
In Berlin last year, 106 people succumbed to heat-related causes, slightly surpassing the yearly average of 98 deaths. Meanwhile, Brandenburg had 51 heat-related fatalities, which was slightly lower than the average of 59 from 1985 to 2022. These figures were shared by the Statistical Office Berlin-Brandenburg. The RKI (Robert Koch Institute) considers heat-related deaths to be individuals mainly passing away from heat stroke. However, they can also include those already struggling with heart-circulatory or lung issues. The relatively low incidence in 2023 can be attributed to the more moderate temperatures at the tail end of July and the beginning of August.
The Statistical Office made note of a direct link between heat days and increased mortality. They define heat days as any day where the daily average temperature climbs above 23 degrees Celsius. In Berlin, there were 15 heat days last year, compared to 23 in 2022. In Brandenburg, they recorded eight heat days in 2023.
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The increased number of heat days in previous years, such as 23 in Berlin in 2022, has been associated with higher heat-related fatalities. The connection between health and climate is evident, as extreme weather conditions, like heat waves, can exacerbate existing health issues. The German Federal Statistical Office, in collaboration with regional bodies like the Statistical Office Berlin-Brandenburg, collects and analyzes such climate-related health data to inform future health policies and preventive measures, not just in Berlin but across Germany, including Brandenburg.
Source: www.stern.de
