Heat caused about 50,000 extra deaths in European cities
Scientists estimate extreme heat caused about 50,000 extra deaths in European urban areas last summer.
Extreme heat caused an estimated 50,000 extra deaths in European urban areas last summer, according to scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The study covers 854 urban areas in 30 countries, where about 40% of the population lives.
Last summer's heat toll far exceeds earlier records
Estimated extra deaths · 2003–2026
Last summer's heat toll far exceeds earlier records (estimated extra deaths). From 28,000 in 2003 to 50,000 in 2026; highest 50,000 in 2026, lowest 28,000 in 2003. Source: Imperial College London and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
View data
| Period | Estimated extra deaths |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 28,000 |
| 2022 | 29,000 |
| 2026 | 50,000 |
The researchers say about 32,000 of the deaths could be attributed to climate change.
Climate scientist Clair Barnes of Imperial College said: "We can be fairly sure that the summer of 2026 was probably the worst summer ever in a large part of Europe when it comes to heat deaths." She stressed that measures are needed to protect vulnerable people better. Researcher Pierre Masselot said: "It is becoming ever clearer that our cities are not well adapted to the increasing heat."
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