Over 2,300 Heatwave Deaths Reported Across Europe, Study Links 1,500 to Climate Change
A recent scientific analysis has revealed that approximately 2,300 people died across 12 major European cities due to the intense heatwave that gripped the region in late June. Conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the study highlights the growing risks posed by climate change.
🌡️ Ad powered by advergic.com
🔍 Heatwave Impact Across Western Europe
The 10-day heatwave, which ended on July 2, saw temperatures soaring past 40°C (104°F) in countries like Spain, while wildfires erupted in parts of France. Cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, London, and Milan experienced extreme heat, with researchers noting that climate change intensified temperatures by up to 4°C in some areas.
Of the 2,300 deaths during this period, around 1,500 were directly linked to climate change, the study found. Many of the fatalities were due to heat exacerbating existing health conditions, a factor that becomes increasingly dangerous in a warming climate.
📊 Scientific Findings and Urgent Warnings
Dr. Ben Clarke from Imperial College London explained,
“Climate change has made it significantly hotter than it would have been, which in turn makes it a lot more dangerous.”
Using peer-reviewed epidemiological models and historical mortality data, the scientists produced a rapid assessment because many heat-related deaths are not officially recorded, and some governments withhold mortality data.
🌍 ALSO READ
PEC Aims to Train 45,000 AI Engineers Over Three Years
🌍 Europe’s Hottest June on Record
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, June 2025 was the third hottest June globally, with Western Europe recording its warmest June ever. Many regions experienced “very strong heat stress”, defined as conditions that feel like 38°C or higher.
Samantha Burgess, Copernicus’ strategic lead for climate, warned:
“In a warming world, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent, more intense, and impact more people across Europe.”
🔥 Climate Change and Future Risk
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from fossil fuel combustion, continues to raise Earth’s average temperature. This results in more extreme weather, including deadly heatwaves. In fact, prior research estimated that up to 61,000 people died during Europe’s 2022 heatwaves, showing how heat preparedness still falls short in many countries.
🏞️ Did You Know?
Some 50 metric tonnes of trash are estimated to remain on Mount Everest due to decades of climbing and poor waste management — another sign of climate impact on nature.
Conclusion
With climate change making heatwaves more dangerous, experts emphasize the urgent need for adaptation strategies, better public health systems, and climate action to protect vulnerable communities.
