A scientific study has found that the recent European heatwave tripled the death toll, resulting in more than 2,300 excess deaths during a ten-day period in June 2025.
The research, conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group, shows that human-driven climate change sharply increased both the intensity and deadliness of the event. According to the study, the number of deaths would have been closer to 770 without global warming. This makes the toll three times higher than expected under natural conditions.
Over 2,300 Deaths in 10 days
From 18 to 27 June, southern and eastern Europe endured record-breaking temperatures. Countries including Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Cyprus saw highs of up to 44°C. The sweltering conditions triggered health emergencies and overwhelmed local systems, especially in cities.
According to WWA, the heatwave triples death toll largely due to climate-amplified extremes. Reuters reports this is one of the first cases where researchers have directly linked a death toll to climate change in near real-time. The study also found that global warming made the heatwave at least five times more likely to occur.
This sharp rise in fatalities highlights how rapidly heat events are turning into public health crises. Researchers say the data reflects only part of the full impact, as some countries lack immediate death reporting systems.
Vulnerable Populations Most Affected
Most of those who died were older adults or people with chronic health problems. Cities were hit hardest due to the “urban heat island” effect, which traps heat overnight and limits recovery.
Hospitals saw a spike in heat-related illnesses. Some areas also faced power outages caused by surging air conditioner use. These combined pressures strained already overburdened public health systems.
WWA climate scientist Friederike Otto noted, “The death toll from this event is not just a number—it represents thousands of families grieving a loved one.”
Calls for Urgent Climate Action
The findings have led to urgent calls for stronger climate action. The WWA urges governments to fund early warning systems, public education, and heat-resilient infrastructure.
The evidence is clear: the heatwave triples death toll when intensified by climate change. Without swift global action, future heatwaves could be even deadlier.
