Overview

• Preliminary estimates link around 1,500 of 2,300 premature deaths to human-driven warming across 12 major European cities between June 23 and July 2.
• Spain’s capitals saw the highest share of climate-attributed fatalities, with 92% in Madrid and 84% in Barcelona tied to anthropogenic warming.
• Individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 88% of excess deaths as persistent tropical nights above 20°C prevented physiological recovery.
• The Valencian Community’s MoMo system recorded 63 heat-attributable deaths in the first week of July—nearly double June’s total—including two confirmed heatstroke fatalities.
• Researchers and policymakers are calling for expanded early warning systems, urban greening initiatives and stringent emission cuts to avert future heatwave deaths.