Urban Klima 2050 explains the effects of climate change on health in Mundaka
25/09/2024
Iñigo Urrutikoetxea Alvarez, Ihobe's Climate Action expert, gave a talk at the ‘Gaur dala bihar’ Pensioners' Association to tell them about the importance of citizen action on climate to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
One of the main objectives of the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project is to involve citizens in climate action in order to promote awareness about the climate and action. In this context, on Thursday, September 19, Iñigo Urrutkoetxea Alvarez, Ihobe's Climate Action expert, gave a talk at the headquarters of ‘Gaur dala bihar’, the Mundaka Pensioners' Association.
Urrutikoetxea began the presentation with a review of the evolution of climate change in the Basque Country, which can be seen in tangible effects such as rising temperatures and a progressive increase in the number of days and frequency of heat waves, with a downward trend in precipitation, but a higher intensity of precipitation events.
As he explained, all these changes directly affect the health of the population, bearing in mind that “temperature is a key variable that affects the comfort and habitability of towns and cities”. He explained that, for example, a rise in temperature can affect cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, while cold snaps can lead to a worse immune response, a worsening of chronic diseases and a decline in emotional and social well-being.
To deal with this reality, the Ihobe expert explained some of the keys to climate action in order to adapt to and mitigate climate change that can also be implemented individually. Small actions, such as opting for renewable energies, sustainable mobility by minimising the use of private vehicles, and different responsible consumption measures, which are detailed in '52 Tips to Combat Climate Change' published by Ihobe. These are everyday gestures that everyone can perform, such as buying A-labelled appliances, not turning the thermostat up above 20ºC, and using energy responsibly.
Urban Klima 2050 actions in Bermeo and Bakio
Urrutikoetxea went on to describe two actions that the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project has ongoing in the area. Specifically, he talked about the recovery of the Tonpoi natural area in Bermeo for public use, and the actions planned in Bakio to protect against flooding and the environmental improvements to the River Estepona.
