Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made significant strides in improving climate impact assessments on health by incorporating humidity into their models. Traditionally, climate models have primarily focused on temperature, but this research highlights the critical role of humidity in assessing health risks associated with climate change.
The University of Tokyo team found that high humidity levels, when combined with elevated temperatures, significantly increase the heat index, which can lead to more severe health outcomes such as heatstroke and dehydration. For instance, their research has shown that during extreme heat events, such as the 2019 Japanese heatwave, the combination of high temperatures and high humidity led to a marked increase in heat-related illnesses and mortality rates.
By integrating humidity data into their models, the researchers were able to provide more precise predictions of health risks. This approach has been instrumental in understanding the full scope of climate impacts on human health, particularly in densely populated urban areas where the heat island effect exacerbates these risks.
The findings from the University of Tokyo’s research have informed new public health strategies, such as more accurate heat advisories and targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations. For example, their data has helped local authorities in Tokyo and other cities to improve their heat action plans, including the placement of cooling centres and enhanced public awareness campaigns, to mitigate the adverse health impacts of extreme heat events. More