Fact Check: Climate change caused 1,500 of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in Europe.

Fact Check: "Climate change caused 1,500 of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in Europe."

What We Know

A recent study conducted by scientists from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated that an intense heatwave in late June and early July 2025 resulted in approximately 2,300 heat-related deaths across 12 major European cities, with climate change being responsible for about 1,500 of those deaths (source-1). The researchers utilized historical temperature data and established mortality trends to approximate the number of excess deaths attributable to the heatwave, which was exacerbated by climate change (source-2). The study found that climate change increased the severity of the heatwave, raising temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the affected cities (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that climate change caused 1,500 of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in Europe is supported by multiple credible sources. The study in question is a rapid attribution analysis, which is a recognized method for assessing the impact of climate change on extreme weather events (source-3). This approach allows researchers to quickly estimate the influence of climate change on mortality rates during extreme heat events.

The reliability of the sources is bolstered by the involvement of reputable institutions such as Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, both of which are known for their rigorous scientific research. The study's methodology, which includes the use of historical data and mortality trends, provides a solid foundation for its findings. However, it is important to note that while the study offers a strong estimate, it acknowledges potential limitations, such as the difficulty in attributing heat-related deaths directly due to the nature of how such deaths are recorded (source-5).

Critics may point out that rapid attribution studies can sometimes lead to overestimations or underestimations due to their preliminary nature. However, the consensus among climate scientists is that the methodology used in this study is sound and provides valuable insights into the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events (source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that climate change caused 1,500 of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in Europe is True. The evidence presented by the rapid attribution study indicates a clear link between climate change and the increased mortality rate during the recent heatwave. The study's methodology, conducted by reputable scientists and institutions, supports the validity of these findings.

Fact Check: Climate change caused 1,500 of the estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in Europe.