A new study conducted by the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals that the number of heat-related deaths in Europe could surge by up to 50% by 2100 due to the rising temperatures linked to global warming. The EEA’s findings project that, under current emissions scenarios, Europe will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, potentially causing up to 90,000 deaths annually by the century’s end—compared to about 60,000 today. Southern European countries, in particular, are expected to bear the brunt of the impact, with vulnerable populations like the elderly, low-income communities, and those with pre-existing health conditions at heightened risk.
The study also underscores the wider societal and economic repercussions of escalating temperatures, urging immediate action to address climate change and invest in adaptive infrastructure. The EEA stresses the importance of preparing for these extreme weather events through measures such as urban green spaces, improved cooling systems, and comprehensive heat-health action plans. Experts argue that a concerted global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate is essential to preventing this dire public health crisis. More