Heat kills. But the recent heatwaves sweeping Europe have become even deadlier due to climate change, exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions, which tripled the number of fatalities, according to a new study. The report estimates approximately 500 deaths in Milan and Rome, 286 in Barcelona, and 235 in Paris during the peak of the crisis.
The findings result from research conducted by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London in collaboration with other universities and published in Italy by Greenpeace. The study analyzed data from June 23 to July 2, attributing a significant portion of heat-related deaths to human-caused global warming.
However, Carlo La Vecchia, a professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Milan, disputes the figures, calling them "grossly overestimated." He argues that a more reasonable estimate of excess deaths due to high temperatures in June would be around 2-3%. In Milan, where an average of 40 deaths occur daily, the excess would likely be one or two additional deaths per day, far lower than the study’s projection.
While the heatwave has subsided in Europe, its effects persist elsewhere. Japan is grappling with over 10,000 hospitalizations amid its hottest month since records began in 1898, with temperatures 2.34°C above average. Meanwhile, Morocco experienced June temperatures 3°C higher than usual.
The Imperial College study suggests that climate change was responsible for 65% of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths during 10 days, increasing temperatures by 1 to 4°C and effectively tripling the mortality rate due to fossil fuel emissions. Key figures include:
317 deaths in Milan
286 deaths in Barcelona
235 deaths in Paris
1,712 deaths in London
164 deaths in Rome
108 deaths in Madrid
"The problem is real, but these estimates are alarmingly exaggerated," said La Vecchia. "Still, we must address climate change and implement effective measures to combat extreme heat."
Researchers warn that without urgent action, the trend will worsen. "Heatwave temperatures will continue to rise, and future death tolls will likely be higher until the world stops burning oil, gas, and coal and reaches net-zero emissions," the study concludes. (Cuba Si)
