Study links climate change to over half of heat-related deaths in Europe in 2022

A study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health reveals that climate change caused over half of the 68,000 heat-related deaths in Europe during the summer of 2022. Researchers estimate that 38,000 lives could have been saved without greenhouse gas pollution. The study found that 56% of these deaths were linked to climate change, a significant increase compared to previous years. The impact was more severe among women, older adults, and southern Europeans. Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to increased health risks. The study highlights that even moderate heat can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations.