Extreme Heatwave in Spain in 2022 Reportedly Caused Greater Impact on Individuals with Disabilities, According to Research

In the sweltering summer of 2022, Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Spain being one of the hardest-hit countries. However, a growing concern has emerged regarding the impact of heatwaves on the disabled community.

According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) published in 2022, the disabled community in urban areas like Seville and Córdoba in Andalusia faced significant challenges during the heatwaves. The study, based on interviews with 33 individuals, highlighted the inaccessibility of crucial heatwave information and the underutilisation of cooling centres.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an increase of approximately 125 million people exposed to heatwaves between 2000 and 2016. In Spain, more than half of the registered disabled community is aged 65 and older, suggesting many heat-related fatalities could have been people with disabilities.

The HRW report recommends setting up adequate facilities for the disabled community to seek shelter from the heat. Improving cooling centres' accessibility is crucial, as it can be achieved by building ramps, ample spaces for wheelchair users, handrails for people with mobility issues, and braille signs for the visually impaired.

The Andalusian Ministry of Health acknowledges that important information about heatwaves and precautions is inaccessible to the disabled community. Crucial information and instructions about heatwaves should be delivered in braille, sign language, and easy-to-read formats to ensure that everyone in society understands heatwave precautions.

Despite these issues, the government has not been able to properly address the problems faced by people with disabilities during heatwaves. In 2022, authorities in Seville and Córdoba admitted that their cooling centres were underutilised. Furthermore, Andalusia's authorities claimed they had reached out to 12,000 people to assess their safety during the heatwaves, but HRW's interviewees reported not being contacted.

The HRW report also suggests that governments should include people with disabilities in conversations about public health. This would help to ensure that crucial information is accessible and that measures are taken to address the unique challenges faced by the disabled community during heatwaves.

In addition to the physical health implications, the mental health of people with disabilities was also adversely affected due to extreme heat, leading to feelings of loneliness and deprivation.

Climate change is also exacerbating these issues. According to a 2023 World Meteorological Organization report, Europe has warmed at a rate that is twice as much as any other continent since the 1980s. Europe's temperatures in 2022 were about 2.3C higher than the pre-industrial average. This trend is expected to continue, with significant implications for the health and wellbeing of the disabled community.

Furthermore, European glaciers lost about 880 cubic kilometres (211 cubic miles) of ice between 1997 and 2022. The Alps' glaciers experienced a record-breaking loss rate in 2022, with a 34-metre (111.5 feet) average fall in ice thickness. These changes will have far-reaching impacts on the environment and society, particularly for vulnerable groups like the disabled community.

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, it is crucial that governments prioritise the needs of all members of society, including those with disabilities. By taking proactive measures to ensure the accessibility of crucial information and the availability of adequate cooling facilities, governments can help to protect the health and wellbeing of the disabled community during heatwaves.

Extreme Heatwave in Spain in 2022 Reportedly Caused Greater Impact on Individuals with Disabilities, According to Research