Last year, extreme heat exacerbated by carbon emissions led to nearly 50,000 deaths in Europe, with the continent warming at a significantly faster pace than other regions, research reveals.
These findings of nearly 50,000 deaths coincide with recent wildfires near Athens, widespread heat warnings in France, and the UK experiencing what is anticipated to be its hottest day of the year, according to the Met Office.
Doctors have labeled heat as a “silent killer” due to its underestimated impact on mortality. The study published in *Nature* suggests that the 2023 death toll would have been 80% higher without the adaptive measures implemented over the past two decades.
Elisa Gallo, an environmental epidemiologist at ISGlobal and lead author of the study, noted that while adaptive measures have proven effective, the number of heat-related nearly 50,000 deaths remains excessively high. Europe is warming at twice the global average rate, indicating that further action is necessary.
Heatwaves are becoming more intense, prolonged, and frequent due to fossil fuel combustion and environmental degradation, which trap greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 2023 was the hottest year on record, with 2024 expected to follow suit.
The research predicts that cooler European countries like the UK, Norway, and Switzerland will experience the most significant relative increase in hot days. However, the absolute number of heat-related deaths will remain highest in southern Europe, which, although better adapted to high temperatures, is more susceptible to extreme heat.
Out of nearly 50,000 deaths, the study identified Greece as having the highest heat-related mortality rate in 2023, with 393 deaths per million people, followed by Italy (209 deaths per million) and Spain (175 deaths per million).
Recent wildfires near Athens prompted evacuations of suburbs and a children’s hospital, as prolonged heatwaves had rendered nearby forests highly flammable.
In 2003, a severe heatwave caused 70,000 deaths across Europe, leading to the establishment of early warning systems and prevention strategies. Despite these efforts, the record-breaking heat of 2022, which resulted in over 60,000 deaths, raised questions about their effectiveness.
The study’s models estimate that last year’s heat-related death toll was 47,690. Without the adaptive measures in place, this number would have been 80% higher compared to the early 2000s, with the elderly suffering the most.
Dominic Royé, head of data science at the Climate Research Foundation, emphasized the need for better monitoring of heat impacts on vulnerable groups and the implementation of preventive measures.
Governments can enhance heatwave safety by creating cooler urban environments with more green spaces, establishing early warning systems, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Individual actions, such as staying indoors, drinking water, and checking on elderly neighbors, can also significantly reduce heat-related mortality.
Dr. Santi Di Pietro from the University of Pavia highlighted that even simple measures, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and staying hydrated, are crucial for preventing heat-related health issues. He stressed the importance of addressing climate change as a health issue.
