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A recent study has revealed that climate change was responsible for approximately 16,500 additional heat-related deaths across 854 major European cities during the summer of 2025.
This figure represents nearly 70% of the estimated 24,400 heat-related fatalities recorded in these urban areas. The research underscores the growing public health threat posed by rising temperatures due to human-induced climate change.
Attribution to climate change: Climate change raised urban temperatures by up to 3.6°C this summer, causing a big jump in heat-related deaths, according to new research comparing real-world data with a world without human-driven warming.
Demographic Impact: People over 65 were hit hardest, accounting for over 85% of the extra deaths. Their vulnerability comes from lower heat resilience and pre-existing health issues.
Geographical hotspots: Rome, Athens, and Paris saw the most heat-related deaths linked to climate change: 835, 630, and 409, respectively. These cities faced some of the hottest summer temperatures in Europe.
The study’s authors caution that the actual death toll is likely higher, as the analysis covered only a third of Europe’s population and may not account for all heat-related fatalities, particularly those in rural areas or not officially recorded. This highlights underreporting and the need for better data collection.
1 min read
Experts advocate for measures such as increasing green spaces, enhancing building insulation and creating shaded urban areas. Public health strategies, including early warning systems and awareness campaigns for vulnerable populations, are also crucial. Additionally, accelerating the transition to renewable energy and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure are recommended.
3 min read
