Overview
- Researchers used rapid attribution methods and epidemiological models to show human-induced warming made the June 23–July 2 heatwaves 1–4 °C hotter across 12 major European cities.
- The analysis estimates about 1,500 of the 2,300 excess heat-related deaths resulted from climate change, tripling the expected fatality count.
- Older adults faced the highest risk, accounting for 88 percent of climate-driven heatwave deaths among vulnerable populations.
- Extreme temperatures triggered red and amber health alerts, prompted school closures in France and banned outdoor work in Italy as wildfire threats rose.
- Authors stress the study is a preliminary snapshot awaiting peer review and emphasize the need for faster emissions reductions and adaptive public health measures.