GDP doesn’t protect against the heat: European regions with more resources face a higher risk of mortality from high temperatures

A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) challenges the assumption that wealth protects against heat-related deaths. Published in *Nature Health*, the research analyzed 161 million deaths across 32 European countries between 2000 and 2019, revealing that regions with higher GDP, household income, and life expectancy—often urban areas—experience greater heat-related mortality due to factors like cement-heavy infrastructure and limited vegetation, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. The study highlights a paradox: while wealthier regions have lower cold-related mortality (thanks to better insulation and healthcare), their urban environments increase heat exposure. Lead author Blanca Paniello-Castillo noted that cities with concentrated economic activity absorb more heat, raising temperatures and mortality risks despite socioeconomic advantages. Disadvantaged regions, however, remain more vulnerable overall, with higher temperature-related deaths linked to indicators like the Gini index and energy poverty. Cold-related deaths still outnumber heat-related ones in Europe, partly due to prolonged winter mortality from respiratory illnesses like flu. The findings underscore that socioeconomic factors shape vulnerability differently for heat and cold. Urbanization and economic prosperity amplify heat risks, while deprivation heightens cold risks. The study warns that climate adaptation strategies must address these disparities to protect all populations equally.