In Europe, 50,391 people may have died in the summer of 2026 due to extreme heat. Scientists attribute almost two thirds of these deaths to global warming.
This is reported by the Associated Press, citing a new scientific study.
Researchers analysed the impact of summer heat on mortality in 854 European cities during June, July and August 2026. By their estimates, of the total number of deaths, 32,619 cases, or almost 65%, are linked to human-caused warming.
This figure is 71% higher than the previous record in 2022, when researchers estimated the number of heat-related deaths at 29,480.
At the same time, the real number of victims may be higher. The study covers only 854 cities, home to about 40% of Europe’s population. Scientists did not include the deadly heatwave observed in May.
The most dangerous was the period from 17 June to 1 July. Then the average air temperature exceeded the climatic norm by 5.3°C. These two weeks accounted for roughly a third of all estimated heat-related deaths.
The highest mortality rates were recorded in Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
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The most vulnerable to extreme temperatures were older people: more than half of those who died were aged 85 and over. At the same time, according to scientists’ estimates, the heat may have caused the deaths of more than 800 people aged 20 to 44.
Researchers explain that even a slight rise in average temperatures due to global warming can turn ordinary summer heat into a life-threatening hazard. At the same time, the infrastructure of many European cities, especially in Western and Northern Europe, is not adapted to such high temperatures.
Scientists stress the need to develop heat early-warning systems, ensure access to cooling indoors, and strengthen protection for the most vulnerable groups.
They say that adapting to high temperatures is not enough without cutting the use of fossil fuels, which are one of the main drivers of global warming.