A new study conducted by World Weather Attribution reveals alarming insights into the deadly European heat wave that struck in late June and early July. Researchers estimate that climate change could have tripled the number of excess deaths linked to the extreme temperatures experienced in multiple cities across the continent.
Record European Heat Wave Linked to Climate Change Death Toll
Record European Heat Wave Linked to Climate Change Death Toll
Recent research indicates climate change may have significantly increased fatalities during a recent heat wave in Europe.
The analysis highlights the staggering impact of global warming on public health, as actual death toll figures are not expected for several months. The researchers examined a five-day period from June 23 to July 2, focusing on 12 cities where temperatures soared above 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Utilizing historical temperature data and observed death rates, they calculated how the situation might have differed without climate change, pinpointing an increase in mortality due to the recent heat wave.
Professor Friederike Otto of the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London commented on the findings, emphasizing that the numbers illustrate the real lives affected by this extreme weather event. The study underscores the urgent need for climate action as it vividly illustrates the human cost associated with rising global temperatures and serves as a wake-up call as Europe faces more frequent and intense heat waves in the future.
Professor Friederike Otto of the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London commented on the findings, emphasizing that the numbers illustrate the real lives affected by this extreme weather event. The study underscores the urgent need for climate action as it vividly illustrates the human cost associated with rising global temperatures and serves as a wake-up call as Europe faces more frequent and intense heat waves in the future.
