European Heatwave Claims 1,500 Lives, Linked to Climate Change

Quick Summary

• An intense heatwave in late June and early July caused 2300 deaths across London and 11 other European cities.
• Climate change amplified temperatures by up to 4˚C, resulting in an additional 1500 deaths. Without global warming, the death toll would have been around 700.
• Cities impacted include Athens, Barcelona, Budapest, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan (499 deaths), Paris, Rome, Sassari and Zagreb.
• Extreme temperatures reached:

– London: ~35˚C
– Paris: ~40˚C
– Spain/Portugal: ~46˚C

• Effects of high temperatures included wildfires across the Mediterranean region and restricted outdoor labor in Italy due to safety concerns. Nuclear reactors were shut down in Switzerland and France.
• Research conducted by World Weather Attribution network combined climate models with mortality data from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to assess real-time impacts of global warming on heat-related fatalities.
• Vulnerable groups accounted for a significant portion of casualties; notably those aged 65 or older (88% killed).
• Challenges highlighted:

– Poor ventilation in buildings (London).
– High air pollution exacerbated conditions (Milan).
– Lack of urban greenery worsened heat effects (Madrid).

Scientists call for improved infrastructure such as water distribution systems during heatwaves and public awareness campaigns about risks associated with extreme heat.

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