A new study by UK scientists reveals that out of 2,300 heat-related deaths during a recent European heatwave, 1,500 were directly linked to climate change, which made temperatures significantly higher and deadlier. The 10-day heatwave, which ended on July 2, saw extreme temperatures surpassing 40°C in some regions, especially in Spain and France.
📍 Full Report:
London | July 10, 2025 —
A rapid scientific study conducted by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has concluded that climate change was a key factor in 1,500 out of 2,300 heat-related deaths recorded during the recent 10-day heatwave across Western Europe.
The research focused on the period ending July 2, during which temperatures soared past 40°C (104°F) in cities like Madrid, Milan, Barcelona, and London. Wildfires broke out in parts of France, further compounding the crisis.
“Climate change has made it significantly hotter than it would have been, which in turn makes it a lot more dangerous,” said Dr. Ben Clarke, lead researcher at Imperial College.
🔬 Methodology & Findings:
- The study used peer-reviewed epidemiological models and historical mortality data to estimate the impact.
- In many cities, climate change was found to have increased heatwave temperatures by up to 4°C.
- Researchers chose to release a rapid analysis due to the fact that most heat-related deaths are underreported or not recorded in official statistics.
🌍 Wider Context:
- According to Copernicus Climate Change Service, June 2025 was the third-hottest June on record globally.
- Western Europe saw its warmest June ever, with widespread “very strong heat stress” conditions—where perceived temperatures exceed 38°C.
- Climate experts warn that as the planet warms, heatwaves will grow in frequency, severity, and geographic reach.
“In a warming world, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent, more intense and impact more people across Europe,” said Samantha Burgess, climate lead at Copernicus.
In a related 2023 study, researchers estimated that 61,000 people may have died during Europe’s heatwaves in 2022, raising concerns over inadequate heat preparedness.
🌡️ Why It Matters:
The accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions—largely from fossil fuels—is raising the planet’s baseline temperature. This means that heatwaves today hit higher peaks than in previous decades, pushing public health systems to the brink and putting millions at risk, especially vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.