Thousands of people in Europe died due to high temperatures! Unexpectedly, due to insufficient popularity of air conditioning... Experts: Winter in the Northern Hemisphere or Extreme Weather
In Europe, the extreme high temperatures this summer have caused thousands of deaths, and the high temperatures have also affected global fuel supply.
The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union's climate monitoring agency, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, shows that June to August this year was the hottest summer on record worldwide. According to historical data from the World Meteorological Organization, the temperature rise in Europe is more than twice the global average. And this summer, thousands of people in Europe died due to high temperatures.
The Spanish authorities stated that approximately 2800 people died from high temperatures from June to August. Preliminary data from the Italian Ministry of Health shows that in major cities in central and southern Italy, scientists have found that in July this year, the number of excessive deaths among people aged 65 and above increased by 9% compared to previous seasonal averages. The German authorities also estimate that 2400 people have died from high temperatures so far this year.
In fact, compared to most parts of the southern United States, the summer temperatures in Europe are cooler, but one important reason for the deadly high temperatures is the insufficient popularity of air conditioning in Europe.
Under the record high temperatures this year, Europe has begun to install a large number of air conditioners. The Wall Street Journal reported that millions of new air conditioners may have been installed in Europe this year, but the speed is still not fast enough, with over half of households still not installing them. According to data from the International Energy Agency, the overall air conditioning penetration rate in Europe increased from 10% in 2000 to 19% last year, which is much lower than the US's around 90%.
Another major impact of the high temperature was the power outages and shutdowns of some refineries in the United States and Europe. According to estimates from energy consulting firm FGE, the daily crude oil processing in Europe this summer has decreased by 700000 barrels compared to the same period last year. Analysis suggests that half of it is due to the influence of high temperatures. Australian Macquarie Group stated that global refineries reduced their oil processing by at least 2% in June and July of this year.
Not only has processing been hindered, but high temperatures have also led to the drying up of important waterways such as the Rhine and Panama Canal, which has increased the transportation cost of fuel.
Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration also shows that in terms of refined oil products, the current US gasoline inventory is around 214 million barrels, which is at a lower level in the past five years.
Climate experts have pointed out that extreme weather may occur in the northern hemisphere this winter, which will further affect energy supply.
