Europe: Extreme Heat Linked to Nearly 63,000 Deaths in 2024

A new study confirms the impact of climate change in Europe, linking extreme heat to the deaths of nearly 63,000 people in the summer of 2024.

The annual study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), published in the journal Nature Medicine, estimates that 62,775 deaths are linked to heat in 2024. This number is higher compared to 2023 but lower than in 2022.

The summer of 2024 was the hottest ever recorded in Europe, which is considered the fastest-warming continent. Two-thirds of the deaths occurred in Southern Europe, with Italy recording the highest number due to its large elderly population and high temperatures.

The Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU) reported an increase of up to 20% in emergency room admissions during peak temperatures. Scientists emphasize the need for harmonized heatwave definitions and heat warnings from European health authorities.

Researchers point out that there is uncertainty in the numbers, with a possible range from 35,000 to 85,000 deaths. However, they emphasize that heatwaves are a significant public health problem, exacerbating heart, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and psychiatric problems.

Gerardo Sanchez of the European Environment Agency highlights the need for investments in improving infrastructure and access to cooling, while Thomas Hánnos emphasizes that mortality is noticeable even at temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius.