Heatwaves caused 16,500 deaths in Europe, with Italy most affected, highlighting climate change risks.
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A study by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that 16,500 people died across 854 cities in Europe between June and August due to extreme heat, with climate change being a primary contributing factor. Italy was the most affected country, recording 4,597 heat-related deaths, followed by Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The research emphasizes that while heat is a major factor, other elements like preparedness, population demographics, and air pollution also play a role, noting that the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable. The study estimates that climate change is responsible for 68 percent of these attributable deaths, with even a few extra degrees of heat causing thousands of fatalities. Experts warn that heat is often underestimated as a cause of death, as it frequently exacerbates underlying conditions. To mitigate this, researchers suggest implementing policies to create more resilient cities, given that most Europeans live in urban areas which are significantly hotter than rural areas.
