Study Reveals Over Half of Heat-Related Deaths in 2022 Due to Human-Induced Climate Change

**In the summer of 2022, Europe experienced unprecedented temperatures that led to over 68,000 heat-related deaths.** A recent study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 56% of these deaths were due to human-induced climate change. **The study's methodology involved using temperature and mortality data from 35 European countries and estimating the increase in temperatures due to anthropogenic warming.** They concluded that 38,154 of the 68,593 deaths could have been avoided without human-caused warming. Regional disparities were notable, with Southern Europe particularly affected. **Vulnerable groups, such as women and the elderly, faced significantly higher risks.** The study calls for urgent policy changes and enhanced climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. With Europe warming at double the global average rate, the study warns that without strong action, heat-related mortality will continue to rise. Joan Ballester Claramunt from the ERC urges governments to increase their efforts in addressing this growing crisis.