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[AAS09-P03] Heatstroke Emergency Transports and the Impact of Climate Change in Hokkaido
Keywords:Heatstroke Emergency Transport, Climate Change Impact, Extreme Heat, Hokkaido
In 2023, the global average surface temperature exceeded the pre-industrial baseline by 1.45°C, marking the highest recorded value since observations began in 1891. In Japan and Hokkaido, record-high temperatures were also reported since statistics began in 1908. In particular, record-breaking high temperatures were observed across various locations in Hokkaido. For instance, Sapporo recorded 36.3°C on August 23, while Hakodate observed 35.4°C on August 10. As a result, the number of emergency transport cases due to heatstroke in Hokkaido reached a record-high of 3,265 cases in 2023. In Sapporo alone, the number was 562, also the highest on record.
This study analyzes the long-term trends in heatstroke-related emergency transport cases in Hokkaido, using data published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of Japan from 2008 to 2024. Additionally, for Sapporo, where data has been available from 2019 to 2024, the study organizes emergency transport cases by time of day and date. For August 2023, when the number of emergency transports in Sapporo continued to rise, meteorological conditions were analyzed using the Japan Meteorological Agency's 55-year reanalysis dataset. The analysis revealed that sea surface temperatures in northern Japan were 2 to 5 degrees higher than normal, along with a strong expansion of the Pacific High and a northward shift of the subtropical jet stream. These factors are considered to have contributed to the record-breaking heatwave. The results indicate that emergency transport cases increase sharply when the daily maximum temperature exceeds 30°C. However, significant variability remains in the number of cases. Therefore, future research should focus on analyzing the complex factors contributing to increased heatstroke risk.
This study analyzes the long-term trends in heatstroke-related emergency transport cases in Hokkaido, using data published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of Japan from 2008 to 2024. Additionally, for Sapporo, where data has been available from 2019 to 2024, the study organizes emergency transport cases by time of day and date. For August 2023, when the number of emergency transports in Sapporo continued to rise, meteorological conditions were analyzed using the Japan Meteorological Agency's 55-year reanalysis dataset. The analysis revealed that sea surface temperatures in northern Japan were 2 to 5 degrees higher than normal, along with a strong expansion of the Pacific High and a northward shift of the subtropical jet stream. These factors are considered to have contributed to the record-breaking heatwave. The results indicate that emergency transport cases increase sharply when the daily maximum temperature exceeds 30°C. However, significant variability remains in the number of cases. Therefore, future research should focus on analyzing the complex factors contributing to increased heatstroke risk.