High temperatures exacerbated by human-induced carbon emissions resulted in nearly 50,000 deaths across Europe in 2023, a new study reveals. Published on Monday by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, the research estimated that 47,690 individuals died in connection with extreme heat during what was the world’s warmest year and Europe’s second-warmest on record.
The study, featured in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed temperature and mortality records from 35 countries across the continent. The findings highlighted that older populations were the most vulnerable, with southern European nations bearing the brunt of the deadly heatwaves.
“Our data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, particularly for the elderly and those in higher-risk regions,” the authors stated.
In the past decade, only the year 2022 saw a higher number of heat-related fatalities in Europe, with over 60,000 deaths attributed to soaring temperatures. The consecutive years of extreme heat underscore a troubling trend linked to global climate change.
Scientists worldwide have consistently warned that human-driven carbon emissions are intensifying climate change, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. These findings resonate not only in Europe but also raise concerns for regions across Asia, where vast populations may face similar threats from rising temperatures.
As global temperatures continue to climb, the study calls for international collaboration to address the root causes of climate change and to implement adaptive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
