Europe’s Early Heat Wave Proves Deadly
Europe experienced an exceptionally early and intense heat wave this year, leading to a significant spike in deaths. According to emerging figures across the continent, over 10,000 more people died at the height of the heat wave than would normally have been expected.
The heat wave’s impact was particularly severe in late June, when record temperatures were recorded in various parts of Europe. Experts warn that it takes time for a full picture to emerge, and many heat-related deaths may not be formally recorded as such. For example, a heart attack triggered by extreme heat exposure, especially in older individuals or those with underlying health issues, may be listed on a death certificate simply as a heart attack.
Climate Change Supercharges Heat Waves
The frequency and intensity of heat waves are amplified by climate change, which results from the burning of fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The 2003 heat wave remains the deadliest year in Europe, with approximately 70,000 deaths. The current heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change.
The EuroMOMO mortality monitoring hub, which receives data from two dozen countries, reported an estimated 14,260 excess deaths from all causes in the week ending June 28. This represents more than 12,000 deaths among individuals aged 65 and older, out of a total 84,583 deaths that week. Figures in the preceding and following weeks were significantly lower.
Country-Specific Data
Germany’s disease control center, the Robert Koch Institute, directly attributed 6,830 deaths to heat this year through early July, with 6,470 of them occurring among individuals 65 and older. Temperatures in Germany reached their highest levels since records began, peaking at 41.7 degrees Celsius (107.06 Fahrenheit) on June 28.
Britain’s Met Office reported that 2,700 people are believed to have died from heat-related causes during heat waves in England and Wales in May and June. Of those deaths, approximately 550 occurred in late May and about 2,200 in late June. This year brought national heat records for May of 35.1 Celsius (95.18 Fahrenheit) and for June of over 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit).
France’s public health authority noted at least 2,000 more deaths in the week of June 22-28 compared to the previous week, when temperatures were already climbing. France recorded its hottest-ever days on June 24 and 25, with the national thermal indicator hitting 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). More than 40% of France experienced peak temperatures above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute estimated 937 deaths in June were attributed to excess heat. Last month was Spain’s second-hottest June on record, with temperatures 3.2 Celsius (5.8 Fahrenheit) above the monthly normal average. A five-day heat wave saw temperatures regularly surpass 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Belgium’s public health institute, Sciensano, reported 1,747 deaths above what would usually be expected during the heat wave that ran from June 18 to July 1. It noted that a certain excess mortality is expected during heat waves, but the current heatwave is distinguished by its exceptional breadth.
The Netherlands had an initial estimate of 480 more deaths than expected, according to the public health service. Increased mortality was particularly notable in eastern and southern areas, where temperatures were the highest. The country saw its highest temperature ever for June, with the Dutch weather service registering 36.8 degrees Celsius (98.24 Fahrenheit).
Consequences of Climate Change
The devastating impact of climate change is evident in the record-breaking heat wave that has ravaged Europe. The consequences of inaction will only worsen as the planet continues to experience increasingly frequent and intense heat waves.
