Heatwave Crisis: Europe’s Sweltering Summer Results in Over 60,000 Deaths
Europe’s Deadliest Summer: Over 61,000 Lives Lost in Record-Breaking 2022 Heatwave
A new study has revealed that the summer of 2022 witnessed the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe, resulting in a devastating toll of over 61,000 deaths. The intense series of heatwaves, droughts, and forest fires pushed Europe to its limits, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.
The research, conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and France’s health research institute INSERM, utilized predictive models to estimate the number of deaths attributed to high temperatures in each region throughout the summer period. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, indicate that a staggering 61,672 deaths were linked to the heat between May 30 and September 4.
The study highlights the urgency of addressing the impact of heatwaves on public health. Hicham Achebak, an INSERM researcher and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of this high number of deaths and the need for continued efforts to protect the population.
In 2003, one of the deadliest heatwaves in European history claimed over 70,000 lives. The data from that year were used in the study to estimate temperature-attributable mortality for different regions and weeks of the summer period.
Throughout the summer of 2022, Europe experienced relentless heat, with above-average temperatures recorded every week. The hottest anomalies were observed during the peak of the summer, from mid-July to mid-August. Researchers identified a notable coincidence between these extreme temperatures and the surge in heat-related mortality. In a little over a month, between July 11 and August 14, a staggering 38,881 deaths were attributed to the heat. Additionally, an intense pan-European heatwave from July 18 to July 24 accounted for 11,637 deaths.
These findings underscore the need for proactive measures to address the growing threat of heatwaves exacerbated by climate change. It is crucial to prioritize public health protection and implement strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
