LSAP MP Cécile Hemmen presented a report from the national weather service Météolux, which stressed that the summer of 2022 was “far too hot, too sunny, and extremely dry.”
The MP also warned that, according to scientists, these extreme events will most likely set new records in the coming years, even in the Grand Duchy.
Aerial view Luxembourg:Effects of dry and hot weather
Residents should therefore expect extreme weather events, such as heat waves or droughts, to occur more frequently in the future.
“These events are not only harmful for nature, but also for the health of human beings,” MP Paul Galles from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) pointed out.
Galles noted that the National Health Directorate’s epidemiological and statistical service collects data in order to analyse the summer mortality rate. Looking at these figures reveals that “putting the Covid-19 issue aside, there is indeed a risk of infant mortality due to heat.”
In response to Galles’ remarks, Hemmen said that Minister of Health Paulette Lenert is in the process of answering a parliamentary question on the subject. This answer should contain all the details concerning mortality, excess mortality, illnesses, and emergencies linked to the heat wave.
Last summer saw historical temperature highs across Europe, with hundreds of wildfires reported across the continent.
Read also: More heatwaves and drought on the way, says ASTA climate expert
