A new scientific study has found that climate change fuelled by human activity made Europe’s deadly June heatwave three times more lethal than it would have been in a cooler world. The findings add fresh urgency to warnings about rising global temperatures and their intensifying toll on public health.
The report, published by the World Weather Attribution group, analysed temperature records and mortality data from multiple European countries affected by last month’s searing heat. Researchers concluded that without the impact of man-made climate change, the number of deaths would have been significantly lower—highlighting how even brief periods of extreme heat are now becoming far deadlier.
Across parts of southern and central Europe, temperatures soared well above 40°C during the last week of June, with cities from Rome to Zagreb recording new seasonal highs. Hospitals in several countries reported spikes in emergency admissions for heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
In total, thousands of excess deaths are believed to have occurred across the continent, with Italy, Greece, and Spain among the hardest hit. While precise figures are still being confirmed by national health authorities, preliminary modelling suggests the death toll was at least three times higher than what would be expected without global warming pushing baseline temperatures higher.
The study also found that such heatwaves—once considered rare—are now 10 times more likely to occur due to climate change. In a 1.2°C warmer world, which is where global average temperatures currently stand above pre-industrial levels, even ‘moderate’ heat events are proving fatal at scale.
Health experts say the findings should be a wake-up call for European policymakers. Despite years of climate pledges and adaptation plans, many urban centres remain ill-prepared for extreme heat. Green spaces are sparse, public cooling shelters are few, and many homes lack air conditioning. At the same time, social services are struggling to keep up with the rising burden of heat-related illness.
Climate scientists argue that even with rapid emissions cuts, many of these risks will persist in the short term, making adaptation and preparedness vital. This includes investing in early warning systems, expanding access to cooling infrastructure, and redesigning cities to withstand frequent and prolonged heat episodes.
With more extreme weather forecast in the coming months, Europe faces a critical choice between preparation and vulnerability. The latest findings make one thing painfully clear: climate breakdown is no longer a distant threat—it is already costing lives.
REFH – newshub finance
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