Climate change causes over 32,000 European heat deaths this summer

A new study has revealed that human-caused climate change, which

scientists have said causes "very dangerous temperatures", was

responsible for nearly two-thirds of more than 50,000 heat-related deaths

across Europe this summer.

Researchers modelling heat deaths in 854 European cities found that

32,619 of the fatalities were directly caused by extra heat generated from

burning fossil fuels.

Countries in Western Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy suffered

the highest death tolls.

Lead author Dr. Clair Barnes from Imperial College London warned that

human-driven warming tips the climate from "uncomfortably hot" to "very

dangerous temperatures".

The study shows a 71% increase in deaths compared to the previous

deadliest heatwave in the summer of 2022.

While over half of those who died were aged 85 or older, the extreme

conditions also claimed the lives of more than 800 people between the

ages 20 and 44.

Health experts stress that heat deaths are widely under-reported on

official death certificates.

They are urging urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions, warning that

cooling measures alone will not solve the crisis.