• Severe heatwave in Europe caused around 2,300 deaths, with 1,500 linked to climate change.
• Temperatures surged by up to 4 degrees Celsius due to human-induced global warming.
• The study involved 12 major cities like London, Madrid, and Paris and was conducted by several European institutions.
• Experts warn of increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to ongoing climate changes.
• Most affected individuals were elderly or had pre-existing health conditions.

A recent study has estimated that approximately 2,300 people died of heat-related causes during a severe heatwave that struck Europe between June 23 and July 2, with around 65% of these deaths, or about 1,500, linked directly to human-induced climate change. This analysis focused on 12 cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, London, and Milan, where high temperatures breached 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) during this period, according to The Local, Reuters, and Dawn.

The researchers, led by scientists from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, found that climate change has significantly raised heatwave temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius, which in turn increased the mortality risk for vulnerable populations. The study also highlighted that most heat-related deaths occur among individuals aged 65 and older, often with underlying health conditions making them more susceptible to extreme heat, according to Al Jazeera, AA, and TRT Global.

The analysis utilized established epidemiological models to estimate the death toll linked to heat exposure, finding that without human-induced climate change, the heatwave temperatures "would have been 2 to 4 degrees cooler" in most cities studied, thus significantly reducing the number of fatalities. "An increase in heatwave temperature of just two or four degrees can mean the difference between life and death for thousands," warned researcher Ben Clarke from Imperial College London, as referenced in reports by The Hill and AA.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service indicated that June 2025 was one of the warmest months recorded, with the majority of Europe facing extreme heat conditions and "very strong heat stress." As climate change continues, experts anticipate that similar heatwaves will become increasingly frequent and intense, thereby impacting more individuals across the continent, reiterated Samantha Burgess, a strategic lead at Copernicus, according to The Local, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.