Hundreds more deaths than average during Sweden’s summer heatwave
The record temperatures this summer led to an estimated 700 more deaths, suggests new figures from the Public Health Agency.
Doctor Anders Tegnell, who is in charge of the division dealing with infectious diseases at the agency, says it is not possible to confirm what caused the 700 to die, but the excess mortality was mostly among the elderly population, who is at risk from heat – making chronic heart and lung disease worse.
Tegnell also talks to Radio Sweden about what should be done to prepare for future heat waves.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: An exceptionally nice fall in Canada’s Yukon this year, CBC News
Finland: Cold, snowy weather spreads across most of Finland, YLE News
Norway: Thawing permafrost melts ground under homes and around Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, The Independent Barents Observer
Poland: ‘It would be great to have clean air’: A Polish wish as crucial climate talks open, CBC News
Russia: Arctic coastal town of Dikson is fastest-warming place in Russia, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Glacier in central Sweden “collapsing” as climate warms, Radio Sweden
United States: New study predicts ‘radical re-shaping’ of Arctic landscape by 2100, CBC News
