Health effects from heat waves in France: an economic evaluation

Lucie Adélaïde, Olivier Chanel and Mathilde Pascal
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Lucie Adélaïde: Santé publique France (SpF)
Mathilde Pascal: Santé publique France (SpF)

The European Journal of Health Economics, 2022, vol. 23, issue 1, No 11, 119-131

Abstract: Abstract Background Scarcity of data on the health impacts and associated economic costs of heat waves may limit the will to invest in adaptation measures. We assessed the economic impact associated with mortality, morbidity, and loss of well-being during heat waves in France between 2015 and 2019. Methods Health indicators monitored by the French national heat wave plan were used to estimate excess visits to emergency rooms and outpatient clinics and hospitalizations for heat-related causes. Total excess mortality and years of life loss were considered, as well as the size of the population that experienced restricted activity. A cost-of-illness and willingness-to-pay approach was used to account for associated costs. Results Between 2015 and 2019, the economic impact of selected health effects of heat waves amounts to €25.5 billion, mainly in mortality (€23.2 billion), minor restricted activity days (€2.3 billion), and morbidity (€0.031 billion). Conclusion The results highlight a significant economic burden on the French health system and the population. A better understanding of the economic impacts of climate change on health is required to alert decision-makers to the urgency of mitigation and to support concrete adaptation actions.

Keywords: Extreme heat; Heat-related illness; Mortality; Economic assessment; Climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01357-2

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