Heatwave-related fatalities in European cities reach 16,500 this summer, tied to global warming
In a groundbreaking study, scientists from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, among others, have estimated that around 24,400 excess deaths occurred across Europe during the summer of 2022 due to human-induced climate change.
The research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, analysed 854 cities, representing almost one-third of Europe's population. The study found that nearly 70% of these estimated deaths, approximately 16,500, were directly attributed to climate change.
The summer of 2022 was Europe's fourth-hottest on record, with global warming making average temperatures 2.2C hotter during June-August. This extreme heat led to numerous tragic incidents, including the death of 77-year-old former councillor Manuel Ariza Serrano in Spain, who perished during a walk in the Córdoba region when temperatures hit an alarming 45C.
The study found that the three cities with the highest numbers of excess deaths related to climate change were Rome (835 deaths), Athens (630 deaths), and Paris (409 deaths). Notably, the Acropolis in Athens and the Eiffel Tower in Paris were forced to close due to high temperatures.
Akshay Deoras, an atmospheric science researcher at the University of Reading, stated that the actual death toll could be even higher. Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, who co-authored the study, concurred, adding that an increase in heatwave temperature of 2C to 4C can be fatal for thousands of people.
It's important to note that most heat-related deaths happen indoors, particularly among vulnerable people with underlying health conditions. Most of the estimated deaths were among people aged 65 and older.
Interestingly, a separate study published in Nature Medicine estimated over 47,000 heat-related deaths across Europe in 2023. This underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect public health.
The methods used in these attribution studies are scientifically robust, yet conservative. However, the researchers have not yet compared their findings with official mortality data, as most countries take months to release such figures.
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, studies like these serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. By understanding the impact of climate change on public health, we can work towards implementing policies and measures that protect our most vulnerable populations.
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