World Peace

How many people are cold in the world?

GoogleAI Mode: “While there is no single census of how many people are “cold” at any given moment, global climate and mortality data provide a clear picture of human exposure to low temperatures. 

As of 2026, the following metrics define how many people live in or are affected by cold:

Global Population Exposure

Inhabiting Cold Regions: Less than 1% of humanity (roughly 80 million people) lives in areas where the annual mean temperature is below 0°C (32°F).

Seasonal Freezing: Approximately 876 million people live in regions that experience temperatures below freezing at some point during a typical winter season.

Housing Vulnerability: A significant portion of the population in both temperate and warm regions is “cold” due to poor insulation. For example, many residents in countries like Australia, Spain, and Chile report feeling colder indoors during winter than those in frigid climates like Canada because their buildings are not designed to retain heat. 

Health and Mortality Impacts

Cold-related health risks are more widespread than heat-related risks globally: 

Cold-Related Deaths: Approximately 4.6 million people die annually due to non-optimal cold temperatures. This accounts for about 8.5% of all global deaths, making cold nearly nine times more lethal than heat on a global scale.

“Moderate” Cold Risk: Most cold-related deaths do not occur during extreme “polar vortex” events, but rather during periods of “moderate cold” where temperatures are simply lower than what is optimal for a local population. 

Extreme Living Conditions

The “Pole of Cold”: In places like Oymyakon and Yakutsk, Russia, approximately 300,000 to 500,000 people live in permanent conditions where temperatures regularly drop below -50°C (-58°F).

Lack of Resources: While data focuses on climate, “feeling cold” is often tied to energy poverty. In 2026, millions remain at risk because they lack access to affordable heating or reliable electricity.”

COLDEST REGIONS

What areas of the world face the biggest cold-related risks?

GoogleAI Mode: “While the absolute coldest places are in the polar and high-altitude regions, the biggest cold-related health risks (mortality and illness) are often found in areas that are not prepared for low temperatures, rather than those with the most extreme weather. 

As of 2026, the regions facing the highest risks include:

1. Eastern Europe and Central Asia 

These regions experience some of the world’s highest rates of cold-related deaths, particularly from cardiovascular issues linked to low temperatures. 

Mongolia: Faces the highest national rates of environmental cold exposure globally as of late 2025.

Bulgaria and Russia: These countries report significant mortality burdens due to a combination of severe winters and aging infrastructure. 

2. Southern and Western Europe 

Counterintuitively, people in milder climates often face higher excess winter mortality than those in frigid Scandinavia. 

Portugal and Spain: Report the highest rates of excess winter deaths in Europe. Because these countries have milder winters, many homes lack adequate thermal insulation, leaving residents vulnerable when temperatures drop.

United Kingdom and Ireland: Also show high seasonal death rates due to poor domestic thermal efficiency and energy poverty. 

3. Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite being a warm region, sub-Saharan Africa suffers a massive burden of cold-related mortality—estimated at over 1.1 million deaths annually. 

Adaptive Capability: Many tropical regions lack the infrastructure or heating systems to handle even moderate cold spells, which can put significant strain on the population.

High-Altitude Risks: Countries like Lesotho have some of the highest overall death rates partly due to extreme mountain climates where cold-related respiratory and circulatory issues are prevalent. 

4. North America (The Midwest)

Within the United States, the Midwest is identified as having the highest cold-related mortality rate due to increasingly erratic and harsh winters. 

Vulnerable Populations: High-risk groups include Native American and Black populations, as well as the elderly (75+), who often lack reliable indoor heating or access to warming centers. 

Key Risk Factors (2026)

Energy Poverty: Rising energy costs across Europe and the U.S. have led to preventable deaths as vulnerable individuals choose not to heat their homes.

Cardiovascular Strain: Most cold deaths are not from freezing (hypothermia) but from “moderate” cold that triggers strokes or heart attacks.

Infrastructure Paradox: Countries with the most severe climates (like Finland or Canada) often have lower risk because their housing and social systems are highly adapted to the cold.”

SOME WAYS TO REDUCE COLD-RELATED MORTALITY

What are some ways to reduce cold-related mortality?

GoogleAI Mode: “To reduce cold-related mortality in 2026, health authorities and climate researchers recommend a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate exposure and long-term structural vulnerabilities. 

1. Individual and Behavioral Safety

Direct personal action is the first line of defense against hypothermia and cardiovascular strain.

Proper Layering: Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. An inner layer (wool or synthetic) wicks moisture, a middle layer provides insulation, and an outer shell protects against wind and rain.

Head and Extremity Protection: Up to 50% of body heat can be lost through an uncovered head. Mittens are more effective than gloves because fingers generate more heat when in close contact.

Avoidance of Alcohol: Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, making you feel warm while actually speeding up core heat loss.

Limited Exertion: Activities like shoveling snow significantly increase heart attack risks in cold weather. Experts recommend that individuals over 45 avoid it if possible and lift small loads if they must continue. 

2. Housing and Built Environment

Improving indoor thermal stability is critical, as many cold deaths occur in moderately cold homes.

Home Weatherization: Adding insulation to attics and walls, sealing air leaks with weather stripping, and repairing windows can significantly reduce indoor cold exposure.

Safe Heating Practices: Never use gas ovens, ranges, or charcoal grills for indoor heating due to the high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Install CO detectors on every level of the home.

Energy Affordability: Public programs like the U.S. Weatherization Assistance Program help low-income households improve energy efficiency to keep homes warmer at lower costs. 

3. Public Health and Community Interventions

Communities can implement safety nets for at-risk populations, particularly the elderly and unhoused.

Early Warning Systems: Cities are increasingly using targeted alerts (yellow, orange, and red warnings) to advise sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities.

Warming Centers: Local governments activate temporary shelters in public libraries, malls, or dedicated “night refuges” during extreme cold spells.

Proactive Check-ins: Neighbors and community groups should prioritize checking on elderly or vulnerable residents to ensure their homes are adequately heated.

Workplace Protections: Employers should schedule heavy outdoor work for warmer parts of the day and provide warm break areas and liquids for workers. 

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes.”

SOME STRATEGIES TO REDUCE COLD-RELATED DEATHS

What are some strategies to reduce cold-related deaths?

GoogleAI Mode: “Strategies to reduce cold-related deaths in 2026 focus on infrastructure resilience, community-based support, and individual behavior modification. Because “moderate cold” often causes more deaths than extreme freezes, interventions are increasingly targeted at everyday exposure. 

1. Housing and Infrastructure Upgrades

Improving the built environment is the most effective long-term strategy for reducing mortality.

Home Weatherization: Adding insulation (fiberglass, cellulose, or rigid foam) to attics and walls can reduce heat loss and lower heating costs by up to 50%.

Air Sealing: Using caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations prevents cold drafts that can lead to indoor hypothermia.

High-Efficiency Heating: Transitioning to modern systems like hydronic radiant floor heating or cold-climate heat pumps provides more stable indoor temperatures.

Energy Assistance: Programs like the Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE) in London provide financial aid and advice to help low-income residents afford heating, preventing “heat-or-eat” dilemmas. 

2. Community and Public Health Interventions

Social safety nets are critical for reaching vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and unhoused. 

Warming Centers: Cities activate “comfort centers” in libraries or malls during cold spells to provide a safe, heated environment for those without reliable heat.

Priority Check-ins: Emergency teams and volunteers maintain registries of high-risk residents (e.g., those over 75 or with respiratory issues) to conduct proactive home visits before a cold front.

Early Warning Systems: Using multiple channels—including social media, public screens, and even village loudspeakers in rural areas—ensures that warnings reach those who might otherwise miss them. 

3. Individual Safety and Behavioral Strategies

Personal preparation reduces the immediate risk of hypothermia and cardiovascular strain. 

Layering Techniques: Using a three-layer system is recommended: a wicking base (polyester or wool), an insulating middle (fleece or down), and a wind/water-resistant outer shell.

Indoor Maintenance: Setting thermostats to at least 68°F (20°C) is vital for seniors, as temperatures as high as 60–65°F can still trigger hypothermia in older adults.

Health Precautions:

Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can make a person feel warm by dilating blood vessels, but it actually speeds up core heat loss.

Limit Exertion: Activities like shoveling snow significantly increase the risk of heart attacks; experts recommend that adults over 45 avoid it if possible.

Carbon Monoxide Prevention: Never use gas ovens, charcoal grills, or unventilated generators for indoor heating, as these are leading causes of accidental death during power outages. 

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes.”

LOW-COST WEATHERIZATION

What are some low-cost weatherization options?

GoogleAI Mode: “Low-cost weatherization focuses on sealing air leaks and improving thermal barriers using affordable DIY materials. Implementing these strategies can reduce heating costs by 5% to 30% annually. 

1. Windows and Glass Areas

Plastic Insulation Film: Shrink-film kits (approx. $10–$20) create a transparent airtight barrier over window frames using double-sided tape and a hairdryer.

Bubble Wrap: A highly budget-friendly option; spraying water on a window allows bubble wrap to stick to the glass, acting as a textured insulator (best for windows where visibility isn’t a priority).

Rope Caulk: This non-hardening, putty-like material can be pressed into drafty cracks and easily removed or reused.

Thermal Curtains: Hanging heavy fabric or dedicated thermal drapes helps trap heat during the night. Opening them during the day on south-facing windows allows for free solar heating. 

2. Doors and Entryways

Door Sweeps: Attaching a sweep (around $10–$22) to the bottom of exterior doors blocks significant drafts from entering through the threshold.

Draft Stoppers (“Draft Snakes”): These long fabric tubes filled with sand or rice can be placed at the base of doors and windows. You can easily DIY these using rolled-up towels or old socks.

Weatherstripping: Adhesive-backed foam tape or V-seal strips can be applied to the movable parts of door and window frames to create a tighter seal when closed. 

3. Hidden Drafts and Small Gaps

Outlet and Switch Gaskets: Inexpensive foam gaskets can be installed behind electrical cover plates on exterior walls to stop cold air from leaking through outlets.

Caulking stationary gaps: Use silicone-based or acrylic caulk (under $15 per tube) to seal fixed gaps around window frames, baseboards, and crown molding.

Reflective Radiator Panels: Placing foil or specialized reflective barriers behind radiators on external walls helps bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall. 

4. System Efficiency (Free or Low-Cost)

Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling back down into the living space.

Thermostat Management: Lowering the thermostat by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day (e.g., while sleeping) can save up to 10% on annual heating costs.

Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during winter; a clogged filter can increase energy consumption by up to 15%.

Water Heater Insulation: Adding an insulation blanket (approx. $20) to older water heaters can reduce standby heat loss by 25–45%. 

Financial Assistance

For those who qualify based on income, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides 100% free professional weatherization services, including attic insulation and heater repairs.”

PORTUGAL VS. SCANDINAVIA

What makes people in Portugal more vulnerable to cold than Scandinavians?

GoogleAI Mode: “People in Portugal are more vulnerable to cold than Scandinavians primarily due to a lack of infrastructural adaptation to low temperatures, coupled with energy poverty. While Scandinavian countries experience much harsher absolute cold, their advanced building standards make indoor environments safe and warm. 

Key Differences in Vulnerability

Housing and Insulation Standards

Portugal: Buildings in Portugal were historically designed to dissipate heat during warm summers, not retain it in winter. Most older homes lack proper thermal insulation, have single-pane windows, and do not feature central heating as a standard. When it’s 4°C (39°F) outside, it can easily be 16°C (61°F) inside a Portuguese home.

Scandinavia: Scandinavian countries have some of the most rigorous building insulation standards in the world, with advanced insulation systems and minimal heat loss. Even with temperatures well below freezing outdoors, indoor temperatures typically remain around 20–24°C (68–75°F), allowing people to wear light clothing indoors.

Climate Adaptation and Perception

Portugal: The climate is generally milder, which means the population and infrastructure are less “adapted” to cold snaps. When temperatures drop below optimal ranges, the effect on health is more pronounced, leading to higher rates of “excess winter mortality”. The high humidity near coastal areas can also make the indoor cold feel more severe.

Scandinavia: The population, infrastructure, and public health systems are all highly acclimatized to severe, consistent cold. This ingrained adaptation, from clothing habits to housing design, means that cold weather poses less of a relative risk compared to warmer regions during unseasonable cold.

Socioeconomic Factors and Energy Poverty

Portugal: Portugal has higher energy prices relative to average incomes, and a significant portion of disadvantaged families struggle to afford adequate heating. This energy poverty forces people to live in cold indoor conditions, which puts a strain on immune systems and increases health risks, particularly for the elderly.

Scandinavia: While energy costs are a factor everywhere, social support systems and highly efficient housing reduce the burden of energy poverty related to essential heating needs.”

SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS

What are the socioeconomic factors of vulnerable populations?

GoogleAI Mode: “Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by cold-related risks due to a range of interconnected socioeconomic factors that limit their ability to prepare for and cope with low temperatures. 

Economic Factors

Low Income: This is the most significant factor. Lower-income individuals often cannot afford adequate heating or insulation, forcing them to live in cold homes and increasing their risk of illness.

Energy Poverty: The inability to afford sufficient energy for heating is a primary cause of excess winter mortality. People may face the choice of “heat or eat,” sacrificing nutrition or medicine to pay energy bills.

Limited Financial Resources: Lack of savings or access to credit means vulnerable individuals have less ability to invest in home improvements (like new insulation or a more efficient heater), buy proper winter clothing, or pay for alternative accommodation during a utility outage.

Employment Status: Unemployed or underemployed individuals face increased mortality risks. Outdoor workers, who are often in low-income brackets, may face higher exposure risks during cold spells. 

Housing and Infrastructure Factors

Poor Housing Quality: Low-income populations often live in older, less-maintained housing with inadequate insulation, poor air sealing, and outdated heating systems. These homes lose heat quickly and are expensive to warm.

Rural vs. Urban Divide: Vulnerability varies by location. While cities can create “urban heat islands” that offer some buffer, some rural areas may have higher levels of poverty and less access to robust infrastructure and social services.

Disrupted Infrastructure: Low-income neighborhoods often have aging public utilities (power, water, and sanitation systems) that are more likely to fail during extreme weather events, prolonging the danger to residents. 

Social and Health Factors

Access to Healthcare and Social Services: Vulnerable populations often face barriers to accessing medical care and public assistance programs, which can delay diagnosis and treatment of cold-related illnesses.

Pre-existing Health Conditions: Low-income individuals often have higher rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease and respiratory illnesses, which are exacerbated by cold temperatures.

Social Isolation: The elderly or individuals living alone may lack communication networks and social support, making it harder for them to receive help during a cold emergency.

Education Level: Lower education levels can correlate with less awareness of cold-weather health risks and effective protective measures.”

THE SOLUTIONS

What are the solutions?

GoogleAI Mode: “Solutions to reduce cold-related mortality involve a combination of infrastructural improvements, targeted social assistance, and public health initiatives. 

Policy and Financial Solutions

Addressing the financial barriers is crucial for vulnerable populations. 

Energy Assistance Programs: Federally funded programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide grants to help qualifying households cover heating bills, prevent utility shutoffs, and make minor energy-related home repairs.

Utility Regulations: Implementing policies that prevent utility disconnections for low-income and medically vulnerable households during cold periods ensures continuous access to heat.

Targeted Rebates and Vouchers: Governments can offer targeted financial support, such as energy vouchers or instant rebates for energy-saving upgrades, to reduce the upfront cost burden on low-income families.

Green Job Creation: Investing in large-scale energy efficiency retrofitting programs creates jobs and simultaneously improves housing stock, offering both economic and health benefits. 

Housing and Infrastructure Solutions

Improving home quality is a long-term strategy that provides lasting health and energy efficiency benefits. 

Weatherization Programs: Government and non-profit programs provide free professional home weatherization services (insulation, air sealing, window repairs) to low-income residents.

Mandatory Building Standards: Implementing and enforcing strict building codes for new construction and renovations in all climates, ensuring homes are designed to retain heat efficiently.

Reliable Infrastructure: Investing in storm-resilient utility infrastructure, such as undergrounding power lines, helps prevent widespread power outages during severe winter events.

Retrofitting Public Housing: Modernizing public and social housing with high-efficiency heating and insulation ensures a minimum standard of thermal comfort for vulnerable residents. 

Public Health and Community Solutions

Community-level engagement and public health measures are essential for immediate response and education. 

Early Warning Systems: Implementing a multi-tier cold weather alert system (yellow, orange, red warnings) that triggers specific public health responses and communication strategies to at-risk populations.

Warming Centers: Local governments must designate and promote the use of warming centers (libraries, community centers, malls) as safe havens during extreme cold events.

Proactive Outreach: Utilizing social service organizations, community centers, and volunteers to conduct proactive check-ins on elderly, isolated, or high-risk residents before and during a cold snap.

Health Education Campaigns: Ongoing campaigns inform the public about safe heating practices (e.g., carbon monoxide risk), proper clothing, and the importance of monitoring co-workers and neighbors, particularly in regions unaccustomed to severe cold.”