In 2023, Europe faced a devastating toll from extreme heat, with over 47,000 people losing their lives due to soaring temperatures. This alarming figure was highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), which underscored the severe impact of climate change on the continent.
The year 2023 was marked as the warmest year on record globally and the second warmest in Europe. The intense heatwaves that swept across the continent were particularly deadly, with southern European countries bearing the brunt of the fatalities. Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Portugal reported the highest heat-related mortality rates, with Greece experiencing 393 deaths per million people.
The study revealed that the majority of these deaths occurred during the hottest period of the year, between late May and early October. Two significant heatwaves in mid-July and late August were responsible for more than 57% of the total deaths, accounting for over 27,000 fatalities.
Women and the elderly were found to be the most vulnerable groups. The heat-related mortality rate was 55% higher in women than in men, and a staggering 768% higher in people over 80 years of age compared to those aged between 65 and 79 years. This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect these at-risk populations.
Despite the grim statistics, the study also noted that the vulnerability of European societies to heat has decreased over the past century, thanks to various adaptation measures. However, without these adaptations, the death toll in 2023 could have been 80% higher. This finding emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to mitigate the effects of extreme heat through improved infrastructure, public health initiatives, and climate resilience strategies.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the escalating health risks posed by climate change. As Europe continues to warm at an unprecedented rate, the need for comprehensive and proactive measures to protect its citizens from the deadly impacts of extreme heat becomes increasingly critical. The tragic loss of over 47,000 lives in 2023 underscores the urgent need for global action to address the root causes of climate change and prevent further loss of life in the future.