Extreme Cold

Canvi climàtic

RISKS DESCRIPTION

The classification of extreme cold and its effects varies with the latitude and habitual climate of each area. In very mild regions, extreme cold may be associated with temperatures compatible with frost.
In general, a situation of extreme cold is considered to occur when the temperature falls significantly below usual levels and there are strong winds.
These atmospheric conditions may adversely affect the environment and people’s health, especially those in a vulnerable situation.
Due to Arctic warming, the likelihood of extreme cold in the northern hemisphere is now four times as great as it used to be.

The warming of the Arctic in recent years is a proven and verified fact. Peak temperatures 20 ºC higher than the historic average were registered in the winter of 2017–2018. The increase in the average temperature of the Arctic region is twice that of the planet as a whole.
The warming of the planet is causing masses of hot air to displace higher-level cold masses to lower latitudes, resulting in cold snaps and snow storms and major consequences for the climate..
The warming of the Arctic and the consequent thawing of the permafrost also lead to the release of methane. When it forms part of the atmosphere, this gas contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Extreme cold episodes affect transport conditions and place users in danger, as well as impacting mobility, public services and the supply of goods.
When temperatures are so extreme that they exceed the design temperatures of installations in buildings, such installations may no longer be capable of providing the minimum comfort requirements.

HEALH EFFECTS

Exposure to extreme cold situations may lead to serious health problems. The commonest are hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia is caused when the temperature of the body falls below its optimal level. It may affect all the organs of the body, especially the brain, reducing cognitive functions and mobility.

Frostbite is an injury that mainly affects the nose, ears, fingers and toes. The damage may be permanent if gangrene is produced.

OBJECTIVE

General

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the air.

Specific

Take measures to mitigate the effects of extreme cold on the population.
Take measures to adapt the urban environment to possible episodes of extreme cold.
Adopt strategic lines to make urban environments more resilient to the effects of climate change.

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Review, where applicable, the extreme values indicated in regulations on the dimensioning of the heating and insulation of buildings.
Include sound studies in planning.
Study the probable risks to which the municipality may be exposed due to extreme cold and implement action protocols for people who are vulnerable to heat and cold. Invest in the training of climatologists and meteorologists and in the tools necessary to forecast extreme episodes.
Inform the population about the measures to be adopted to combat the risks of hypothermia and frostbite.
Be alert and disseminate civil defence advice about cold snaps.

LEGISLATION

STUDIES AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

Oliver Milman, 2018. Extrem winter weather becoming more common as Artic warms, study finds. The Guardian, 13 Mars, 2018.
John Abraham, 2018. Global warming is intensifying EL Niño weather. The Guardian, 29 August 2018.
Extrem Cold US Department of health and human services centers for disease control and prevention.
Körner, Christian, 2016. Plant adaptation to cold climates . F1000Res, V 5

More information about addressing the Public Health Service: entornurbasalut@diba.cat

Date of last update:
dc., 12 de maig 2021 05:36:29 +0000

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