In November 2025, LEI launched the project “Linking Cardiovascular Mortality and Suicide Risks with Extreme Weather Events in Lithuania under Climate Change (CliMed-LT)”. The aim of the project is to investigate how extreme weather events affect human health and mortality risk in Lithuania and to help better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change.
Alarming Statistics
Mortality from stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and suicides remains one of the most serious public health problems in Lithuania and worldwide. Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and one of the main causes of death in Lithuania. The number of deaths from stroke in the country is twice the European Union average. Acute myocardial infarction accounts for 38% of female deaths and 44% of male deaths from cardiovascular diseases.
Lithuania has also long been among the top ten countries in the world with the highest suicide rates. These figures indicate serious challenges to public health that require deeper understanding and new solutions.
Extreme Weather and Health Risks
Epidemiological studies conducted in the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and European countries show that extreme climatic (weather) events can have a significant impact on human health. Heatwaves and cold spells, air pressure fluctuations, precipitation, humidity, and sunlight exposure have been linked to higher risks of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and suicides.
However, in the Lithuanian context, these links are still poorly understood and insufficiently studied. There is a lack of detailed research that would allow an assessment of how our country’s specific climatic conditions affect public health.
Developing Advanced Forecasting Models
The CliMed-LT project, conducted in collaboration with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), aims to identify links between extreme weather events and their impact on public health in Lithuania. Special attention will be paid to suicide rates and mortality from non-communicable diseases – stroke and acute myocardial infarction.
To achieve this goal, data from different fields will be combined – high-resolution meteorological datasets and death registry information. Statistical methods will be used to develop advanced forecasting models that can identify the most important risk factors, quantitatively assess their impact, and model possible future scenarios in the context of climate change.
From Research to Practical Solutions
The project focuses not only on theoretical research but also on practical benefits. It aims to create early warning systems and evidence-based recommendations to help strengthen the national healthcare system’s preparedness and resilience to extreme weather events.
By combining environmental and health data, the CliMed-LT project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between climate change and public health and help build a more resilient and better-prepared healthcare system in Lithuania.
