Challenges and Impacts of High Temperatures in Europe

Study: 47,690 heat deaths in Europe in 2023

A study by ISGlobal Institute reveals that an estimated 47,690 people died from heat-related causes in Europe in 2023, making it the second-highest number of heat-related deaths in the past decade, following the over 60,000 deaths in 2022. The study analyzed temperature records and mortality data from 35 European countries, with over half of the deaths occurring during heatwaves between mid-July and August 2023. These heatwaves saw temperatures reach 44°C in Sicily and devastating wildfires in Greece. The study also highlights that without government adaptation measures, the death toll would have been 80% higher. The authors emphasize the need for additional effective strategies to reduce future heat-related deaths and warn that the human-induced climate warming will likely lead to more casualties. European governments' actions were credited with saving lives and reducing deaths by 80%, but further efforts are necessary to combat global warming and its deadly consequences.