European Heatwave Claims Thousands of Lives Amid Record Temperatures
Recent studies estimate that a devastating heatwave in Europe resulted in approximately 2,300 deaths over a span of just 10 days. Research indicates that climate change has significantly intensified these heat events, contributing to a tripling of the death toll compared to previous years. Western Europe, which has been identified as the fastest-warming continent, experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures soaring up to 4°C higher due to human-induced climate factors. The extreme heat has not only resulted in fatalities but has also strained infrastructure and heightened risks of wildfires, particularly in Eastern Europe. As millions face the reality of extreme heat, countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy are implementing safety measures to combat the ongoing crisis.
Reuters, Al Jazeera, CNN, The Guardian, Financial Times, The New York Times, AP News, Sky News, France 24, Copernicus