Story perspectives

Heatwaves likely killed 60,000–70,000 in Europe

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Europe endured heatwaves this summer, causing tens of thousands of premature deaths.
EUCRA estimates 60,000-70,000 heat-related deaths in summer 2022, about 95 % of fatalities, while the European Climate and Health Observatory recorded 47,690 excess deaths and said the toll would have been 80 % higher without adaptation measures.
The European Environment Agency urges expanding warning systems, heat-health action plans, urban greening, building standards and using the Climate-ADAPT platform to share practices.

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Story summary

Europe endured heatwaves this summer, causing tens of thousands of premature deaths.
EUCRA estimates 60,000-70,000 heat-related deaths in summer 2022, about 95 % of fatalities, while the European Climate and Health Observatory recorded 47,690 excess deaths and said the toll would have been 80 % higher without adaptation measures.
The European Environment Agency urges expanding warning systems, heat-health action plans, urban greening, building standards and using the Climate-ADAPT platform to share practices.