Extreme heat in Europe over the coming decades may cause a sharp increase in deaths, potentially leading to an additional 55,000 deaths annually by 2100 if significant climate action is not taken, according to research published in the “Lancet Public Health Journal” on Thursday.
This rise represents a 13.5% increase in temperature-related fatalities, in stark contrast to the anticipated decline in cold-related deaths, the study added.
Currently, extreme temperatures in Europe are responsible for approximately 407,500 deaths each year, with cold weather being the leading cause. From 1991 to 2020, an average of 364,000 deaths annually were attributed to cold weather, while heat-related deaths accounted for 44,000.
Historically, cold-related fatalities have been more prevalent in eastern Europe, whereas southern Europe has experienced more heat-related deaths. However, as global temperatures rise, this pattern is expected to shift, with southern Europe and areas with aging populations becoming increasingly vulnerable to the growing frequency of lethal heat waves.