Climate Change Drives 1,500 Deaths in European Heatwave

A rapid scientific analysis estimates that a severe heatwave in late June to early July 2025 caused around 2,300 heat-related deaths across 12 major European cities, with approximately 1,500 of these deaths directly attributable to human-caused climate change. Temperatures during this period reached extremes of over 40°C in several locations, made up to 4°C hotter due to climate change primarily driven by fossil fuel burning. The study, conducted by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, used established epidemiological models and peer-reviewed methods to compare actual temperatures with those in a hypothetical world without global warming, revealing a tripling of heatwave mortality. The majority of fatalities were among vulnerable populations, especially those aged 65 and older. This analysis highlights the significant and under-recognized impact of climate change on extreme heat events, with researchers warning that ongoing fossil fuel use will result in more frequent and deadly heatwaves. These findings come amid record-breaking temperatures in Europe and emphasize the urgent need for stronger climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.