Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
Recent scientific analysis reveals significant mortality linked to extreme heat conditions, with climate change implicated as a major factor.
A recent scientific analysis indicates that approximately 2,300 individuals died due to a severe heatwave that impacted Western Europe, specifically in 12 cities, around the beginning of July.
The study, published by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, covered a ten-day period that concluded on July 2, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in various regions, notably in Spain, where massive wildfires also erupted in southern France.
Out of the total reported fatalities, an estimated 1,500 were directly attributed to climate change influences.
The research employed established epidemiological models alongside historical mortality data to gauge the true extent of deaths directly caused by heat exposure.
The models considered whether the extreme heat exacerbated existing health conditions.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which monitors climate variations globally, noted that June 2023 was recorded as the third hottest June on Earth and marked the hottest in documented history for Western Europe.
The majority of the region experienced what is recognized as 'extreme heat stress,' which refers to conditions felt as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
Heatwaves have previously led to significant mortality rates in Europe.
In 2022, researchers reported that over 61,000 people died as a result of heatwaves, underscoring persistent deficiencies in preparedness and health systems across several countries.
The study, published by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, covered a ten-day period that concluded on July 2, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in various regions, notably in Spain, where massive wildfires also erupted in southern France.
Out of the total reported fatalities, an estimated 1,500 were directly attributed to climate change influences.
The research employed established epidemiological models alongside historical mortality data to gauge the true extent of deaths directly caused by heat exposure.
The models considered whether the extreme heat exacerbated existing health conditions.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which monitors climate variations globally, noted that June 2023 was recorded as the third hottest June on Earth and marked the hottest in documented history for Western Europe.
The majority of the region experienced what is recognized as 'extreme heat stress,' which refers to conditions felt as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
Heatwaves have previously led to significant mortality rates in Europe.
In 2022, researchers reported that over 61,000 people died as a result of heatwaves, underscoring persistent deficiencies in preparedness and health systems across several countries.
