Extreme weather events like heatwaves and hurricanes are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change, exacting a heavy toll on communities across North America. In 2023 alone, the United States experienced 28 extreme weather and climate events with an estimated cost of approximately $93 billion, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Beyond the significant economic impact, these events disrupt public well-being, strain healthcare systems, and lead to adverse health outcomes.
The health risks are particularly severe. Extreme heat is now one of the leading weather-related causes of death in high-income countries, contributing to an estimated 1,373–1,992 deaths annually in the U.S. Heatwaves are also linked to increased hospitalizations and higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. Similarly, hurricanes, which are projected to increase in strength by 5% and rainfall rates by up to 15% by 2055, are associated with elevated mortality rates from conditions like infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
While these events affect everyone, their consequences are not distributed equally. A growing body of research highlights that vulnerable populations—especially those facing social disadvantages related to socioeconomic status, race, and healthcare access—suffer disproportionately worse health outcomes.
Despite this recognition, a significant gap remains in the literature, particularly in understanding how social determinants of health modulate the impacts of extreme weather.
A recent investigation published in Environmental Epidemiology conducted by team of researchers from the UF Intelligent Clinical Care Center (IC3), including Director Azra Bihorac, M.D., M.S., FASN, FCCM and Associate Director of Research Tezcan Ozrazgat-Baslanti, Ph.D aimed to address this gap by investigating the effects of heatwaves and Hurricane Irma on a cohort of 24,814 patients hospitalized at two University of Florida Health hospitals in Duval County, Florida, between 2015 and 2017.
Located on the Atlantic coast, Duval County is highly susceptible to hurricanes, storm surges, and frequent extreme heat. The study analyzed key health outcomes, including hospital mortality, acute stroke, myocardial infarction, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
Using a modified Poisson regression model, the researchers assessed the differences in health outcomes for various population groups during a heatwave and Hurricane Irma.
The findings underscored that extreme climate events severely exacerbate negative health outcomes in socioeconomically vulnerable populations. These results highlight a critical need for targeted public health interventions, improved healthcare access, and enhanced climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
The study’s conclusion serves as a stark reminder that while climate change is a global issue, its most devastating effects are often felt by those with the fewest resources to adapt and recover.
Addressing this inequity requires a focused effort to protect and support those most at risk, ensuring that climate resilience strategies are built with social vulnerability at the forefront.