According to a rapid scientific analysis released by British scholars last Wednesday (July 9th), approximately 2,300 people in 12 European cities died from heat-related causes during the recent heatwave period, with many cases possibly linked to the abnormally high temperatures.
This study covered a 10-day period from June 23rd to July 2nd, during which Western Europe experienced extreme heatwaves, with temperatures surpassing 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in Spain and multiple wildfires breaking out in France. The analysis, conducted jointly by the Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, utilized epidemiological models and historical mortality data to estimate the impact of the heatwave, highlighting an increased risk of death in several cities, particularly among populations already facing health issues.
On the same day, Copernicus Climate Change Service released a monthly report stating that June 2025 was the third hottest June on record globally, with Western Europe setting a new all-time temperature record, as many areas experienced “feels like” temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius.
The research covered 12 cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, London, and Milan. Scholars noted that in these cities, climate change has led to temperature increases of up to 4 degrees Celsius.
“Climate change is making temperatures much higher than they originally were, therefore more deadly,” said Dr. Ben Clarke, a researcher at the Imperial College.
Earlier estimates from health research institutions in Europe indicated that during the 2022 heatwave, the death toll reached as high as 61,000, underscoring significant gaps in countries’ responses to extreme high temperatures.
Meteorologists reported that Greece was experiencing a second heatwave since the end of June starting from July 6th, with temperatures expected to rise to 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius); Athens reaching highs of 38 degrees Celsius and continuing to rise.
A global study published in “Nature” revealed that even with a projected Fahrenheit 4.8 (Celsius 2.7) temperature increase by the end of the century, the total deaths due to extreme climate could potentially be lower with passive cooling methods such as white roofs, cool pavements, and increased greenery to lower actual temperatures during heatwaves in urban areas. Experiments in London showed that white coatings on roofs could reduce temperatures by up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 10 degrees Celsius).
The report also emphasized the importance of widespread air conditioning and ensuring affordable energy access as effective measures to reduce risks of heat and cold-related deaths. The United States has seen a halving of heat-related deaths since the 1960s, partly due to the widespread use of air conditioning; while cheap natural gas has made heating more affordable in winter, estimated to save around 12,500 lives annually.
Some studies suggest that while climate change may heighten the risk of heatwave-related deaths, it should not neglect the potential reduction in cold-related deaths in certain aspects. According to data from “The Lancet,” since the 2000s, the average annual increase in heat-related deaths is approximately 116,000, but the greater decrease in cold-related deaths results in a net reduction of about 166,000 deaths per year.
(Adapted from reports by Reuters and “New York Post”)