Europe's Recent Heatwave Made 4C Hotter by Climate Change

Human-caused climate change intensified recent European heatwaves by up to 4 degrees Celsius in many cities, making temperatures dangerously high for vulnerable populations. A study by researchers from five European institutions found that the influence of global warming likely resulted in more heat-related deaths than would have occurred otherwise.

Temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius in several European countries between late June and early July, setting new records and prompting health warnings. The heatwave, which was the hottest June on record in western Europe according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus, affected over 30 million people in major cities like Paris, London, and Madrid.

By analyzing historical weather data, scientists determined that the heatwave would have been 2-4 degrees cooler in most cities studied if not for human-induced climate change. This increase in temperature significantly raised the risk for residents, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, sick, and young children.

The study estimated that the heatwave caused around 2,300 deaths in the 12 cities studied, with about two-thirds of these deaths attributed to climate change-induced high temperatures. Heatwaves pose a significant health risk, especially in urban areas where temperatures are higher due to heat absorption by buildings and paved surfaces.

According to the researchers, even a slight increase in temperature during a heatwave can have life-threatening consequences for many individuals, making heatwaves silent killers that often go unnoticed. While the exact death toll from the recent heatwave is still being determined, past episodes have resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities in Europe.