Summer in Europe continues to break records: at least 35,000 deaths reported
The deadliest summer on record: European Union scientific reports reveal that in Spain, Germany, and France alone, the death toll has reached 25,000. Scientists expect the numbers to rise through the end of August.
Scientific reports from the European Union revealed on Tuesday that at least 35,000 people have died during the ongoing deadly heatwave in Europe. The reports, published in the British 'Guardian', cover only half of the European continent. Full reports are expected in the coming months, and scientists fear that the number of excess mortality cases could double.
Since May, the continent has been experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, which have triggered dozens of fatal fires. In France, temperatures reached a historic high of 44 degrees Celsius two months ago. Germany recorded the highest death toll, with approximately 14,000 heat-related deaths, marking the deadliest summer in the country's history. In Spain, an estimated 4,947 people died due to the heat, while France has reported 7,300 cases of excess mortality so far. Thousands of additional deaths were recorded in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with data from many countries yet to include August figures.
Researchers emphasize that extreme heat is not always recorded as the direct cause of death; rather, it exacerbates pre-existing conditions such as heart and respiratory diseases. According to the World Health Organization, heat-related mortality in the European region has increased by more than 30% over the last two decades, a trend expected to persist due to climate change and an aging population.
Beyond mortality rates, scientists are concerned about ocean warming in the shadow of the 'El Niño' phenomenon. Data published by the BBC indicates that the average temperature of the oceans at the Earth's poles has reached 21 degrees Celsius.
'El Niño is just joining decades of global warming, adding pressure to the oceans,' said Dr. Samantha Burgess, who researches the phenomenon.
Ocean warming affects weather systems worldwide. Warmer water increases atmospheric moisture, which can lead to more prolonged heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and powerful storms. Scientists warn that the oceans continue to warm at an unprecedented rate, having absorbed increasing amounts of heat generated by global warming in recent years.
