However,
These three cities threatened:
In the future, heat waves will be more frequent in summer.Image: Keystone
Heat waves become more frequent and more deadly, including in Switzerland. Therefore, Epidemiologist Ana Vicedo explains how you can protect yourself and why the elderly are not the only ones concerned.
16.08.2025, 19:0016.08.2025, 19:00
Stephanie Schnydrig / ch media
Switzerland suffers from a heat wave. Therefore, In concrete cities. Similarly, the temperature accumulates, and the nights are up to seven degrees warmer than in the surrounding rural areas. Consequently, Are we going to these three cities threatened see more and more people fleeing heat and urban areas?
Ana Vicedo: No, I don’t necessarily think. For example, But it is undeniable that it will become normal to chain the waves of heat during the summer. Furthermore, This is why you have to start thinking about unconventional solutions.
Concretely, what does that mean?
We need heat measures that do not cause other problems, such as social isolation or mental disorders.
“Telling people to stay locked up at home can work for a few days. Moreover, but certainly not for weeks”
We saw Covid’s pandemic how it could affect mental health. Consequently, My mother lives in Spain. Furthermore, is going through this right now: he has been doing more than 40 degrees for several weeks. Moreover, Staying locked up as long is driving crazy!
What these three cities threatened should be done differently?
The cities must first identify their hotspotsthese places where the heat is particularly intense. Therefore, There, the concrete must be replaced with greenery, plant trees, create shadow.
“It is also important to have air -conditioned shelters, places where it is cool and where you are not alone.”
The elderly, in particular, need such spaces. For example, They do not work in air -conditioned offices. For example, do not often go to the swimming pool, which above all remains a family leisure. Therefore, It is also necessary to ensure good support: for example with home care services. who visit vulnerable people during days of high heat.
About the speaker
The environmental epidemiologist Ana Maria Vicedo Cabrera is a professor at the University of Bern. She mainly studies the effects of climate these three cities threatened change on public health. Of Spanish origin. she is a co-author of the World Climate Report and has published several studies on deaths related to heat or cold in Switzerland and in the world.
Image: dr
You have published a study showing that deaths from heat in Switzerland could go from 300 per year today to around 1200 if the world temperature increases by 2 degrees. And almost 2000 by 2050 with an increase of 3 degrees. Why is heat so dangerous?
These figures start from the hypothesis that people do not adapt to heat. However, a certain capacity for adaptation seems realistic.
“But even by adapting. the number of deaths will increase”
First, the Swiss population is aging, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Second, the these three cities threatened human body has its physiological limits. When the body temperature climbs too much, it triggers inflammatory processes. People with chronic diseases then quickly reach their limits. A person with cardiovascular disorders, for example, can make a stroke.
“And today. we also know that pregnant women, children, people with mental disorders and even healthy adults are exposed to risks.”
A recent study spoke of “summer depressions” caused by heat. Is it credible?
Yes, health effects vary strongly from person to person. This is why it is essential to transmit good information in a targeted manner. via general practitioners, organizations working in contact with the elderly, or even social networks. This is the only way to touch all population groups.
Depending on your study, the cities of Basel, Locarno and Zurich are particularly at risk. Why those more than others?
The regional differences these three cities threatened and the complexity of their causes have surprised me myself, I admit. Many factors come into play: the geographic location, the structure of the population, and even the level of air pollution.
“The vulnerability of a population still depends on local conditions”
This is why the measures must be developed locally. while relying on a national strategy.
Is Switzerland well prepared?
It depends a lot on the cantons. In Geneva. in the canton of Vaud or in Ticino, the awareness of the problem is higher, because the heat waves are more frequent. But overall, there has been a lot of progress. I have been working on this subject for 15 years. And the simple fact that you interrogate me today shows how much perception has evolved.
“Ten years ago, sustainable and dangerous heat waves were not yet a these three cities threatened subject of public debate. Today, they are. ”
According to the SUVA, days at more than 30 ° C record 7% more accidents than other summer days. In the future, will it be necessary to grant leave because of a heat wave?
“We will no longer be able to prevent heat waves. You have to learn to live with “
Of course, you cannot stop working with each scorching episode. But employers must become more flexible. Productivity decreases with heat, many studies demonstrate this.
And now the school starts again now.
Yes, it’s a bit absurd. In Spain, the start of the school year is in September to avoid the hottest weeks. In Switzerland, it begins in the middle of August.
“In my opinion. it is urgent to think about other scenarios”
Translated and adapted from German by Léon Dietrich
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