Over 15,000 Summer Deaths in Europe Linked to Climate Change, Study Finds

Over 15,000 Summer Deaths in Europe Linked to Climate Change, Study Finds
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A preliminary study by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has attributed more than 15,000 deaths in Europe this summer to the effects of climate change and extreme heat. The research analyzed data from 854 European cities and found that 68% of the 24,400 heat-related deaths were likely driven by climate change.

Countries such as Spain, Portugal, and the UK experienced some of their hottest summers on record, intensifying health risks including cardiovascular conditions, dehydration, and sleep disorders. Notable death tolls included over 800 in Rome, more than 600 in Athens, and upwards of 400 in Paris.

The elderly, especially those over 65, accounted for more than 85% of the fatalities. Researchers noted that average temperatures could have been 2.2°C lower without climate change. While results remain preliminary, experts warn the actual toll may be even higher, underscoring growing public health challenges amid global warming.