Mitigating the Impact of Extreme Temperatures: The Role of Public Health Interventions in Germany, 1888-1913

Gallardo Albarrán, Daniel

No 20903, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: Adaptation strategies are considered important in mitigating the mortality effects of warm temperatures, but less is known about the role of public health interventions. I study how the provision of three health-enhancing services — sanitary infrastructures, scientific-based infant care and hospital care — influenced the temperature-mortality gradient in Germany during the period 1888-1913. I find that: (i) the mortality impact of warm temperatures was substantial; (ii) heat-related mortality (infant deaths) decreased by ca. 25 (30) percent; and (iii) greater access to piped water, infant care and hospital care account for 60 (25) percent of the mortality decline at high temperatures.

Keywords: Germany; climate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I10 I18 I30 N33 Q54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-12
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