Alerting temperatures in Izmir

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kılınç from Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics announced that deaths in Izmir have increased by 55% due to the record-breaking temperatures this year. He emphasized the importance of caution, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses and those aged 65 to 80. “Heat is a factor that increases deaths and must be addressed with precautions,” said Prof. Dr. Kılınç.

Prof. Dr. Kılınç highlighted a significant temperature increase in Turkey, a result of global climate change. He said, “In July 2025, temperatures in the country exceeded 40 degrees Celsius 11 times, including five consecutive days. In the preceding 40 years, temperatures above 40 degrees were recorded on only two consecutive days. This data alone indicates that temperatures are rising very quickly, negatively affecting all living beings.”

COMPARISON WITH 2019

Prof. Dr. Kılınç stated that Güçlü Yaman, a member of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Pandemic Work Group, published data obtained from cemetery administrations in major cities, calculated using averages. Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “According to these data, when we compare July 2019 with July 2025 in Izmir, we see that deaths have increased by 55 percent. Temperature is a risk factor that increases mortality. We can also link the increase in deaths in Izmir to temperature.”

‘24 DEGREES’ WARNING

Prof. Dr. Kılınç advised that individuals with chronic conditions like heart, lung, and diabetes should be more careful. Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “We know that even without an underlying illness, the risk of death increases for people over 65, and even more so for those over 80. I recommend that these individuals avoid going outside between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on extremely hot days. It would also be very beneficial for them to stay in a place where the average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius.”

“LET'S REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Stressing the need for global and national measures against rising temperatures Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “We need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Everyone, from individuals to governments, needs to make plans to reduce their carbon footprint. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible, with activities similar to those organized by the World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.”