Heat killed ‘staggering’ 50,000 people in Europe’s cities this summer, scientists warn
Summary
New research shows that 50,000 people died from heat in European cities during the summer of 2024. Scientists say that climate change caused by human activity was responsible for about two-thirds of these deaths.Key Facts
- The study looked at 854 cities across Europe from June to August 2024.
- Heatwaves caused an extra 32,000 deaths beyond usual rates, totaling 50,000 heat-related deaths.
- Climate change’s share of heat-related deaths rose from 40% in 2000 to 65% this summer.
- Malta, Italy, and Hungary had the highest death rates per million people.
- Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the UK had the largest total numbers of deaths.
- People over 85 years old made up nearly half of those who died.
- Younger people also died, with 833 deaths among those aged 20 to 44.
- Heat worsened health problems, especially for vulnerable people living alone or in poverty.
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