Deadly Heatwaves Grip Europe

Europe, traditionally known for its cooler climate, has been hit by intense summer heat, with climate change and El Niño conditions contributing to soaring temperatures. A new study estimates that 50,391 people died due to heatwaves across 854 European cities during June, July and August. Researchers attributed 32,619 of these deaths to higher temperatures linked to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The findings, led by researchers at Imperial College London, are expected to be published in the journal Nature Health. The study estimates that heat-related deaths this summer were 71% higher than the 29,480 recorded during the exceptionally hot summer of 2022.

Temperatures reached 43.8°C in France, 41.7°C in Germany and 37.3°C in the United Kingdom. Researchers found that around one-third of the summer’s deaths occurred during the intense heatwave between June 17 and July 1. Italy, France, Spain and Germany recorded the highest numbers of deaths associated with climate change. More than half of those who died were aged over 85, while around 800 victims were between 20 and 44 years old. The researchers said the severe toll highlights the consequences of inadequate measures to adapt to changing climate conditions and the growing risks posed by extreme heat.