Air temperature is one of the key characteristics of the environment surrounding humans. This is especially true of temperature impacts on public health and human well-being and quality of life. A consequence of climate change is the increasing occurrence of heat waves and tropical nights, among other things, weather situations that cause very severe heat stress.
Such conditions put a significant strain on the human body, leading to increased health problems and, in extreme cases, death. Biometeorological risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to further increases in air temperature. Particularly vulnerable are urban residents, where an additional factor affecting thermal conditions is the urban heat island effect.
It limits the drop in air temperature at night. As a result, it can remain above the value for thermal comfort around the clock. The increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves is superimposed on a simultaneous increase in life expectancy, and therefore an increase in the number of seniors who are particularly sensitive to high temperatures.
Research on this issue includes (a) the physical aspect, i.e., diurnal, seasonal, multi-year variability, in terms of averages and extremes; modeling and forecasting of changes (especially in the context of climate change); (b) the natural and agricultural aspect, i.e., the impact of air temperatures on biodiversity, productivity in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, etc.; c) the health aspect, i.e., mortality, hospitalizations and the various correlates of these indicators; d) the adaptation aspect, i.e., the role of architectural and urban planning solutions; the role of vegetation and water, policies and specific solutions to deal with heat waves in cities.
The purpose of the scientific seminar is to disseminate and popularize the latest scientific developments in the field of the effects of thermal conditions on the human body. The debate about the risks of progressive climate change can help raise public awareness, which should facilitate adaptation to changing conditions.
For meeting dates, see Scientific seminars.