Summer heat’s toll on Europe: 50,000 deaths and a €17 billion GDP hit

Europe experienced an unprecedented heat wave during the summer months of 2022, resulting in an estimated 50,000 deaths – the highest number on record. The extreme temperatures led to a 0.17% decline in the European Union's gross domestic product (GDP) from April to September, amounting to approximately €17 billion ($18.9 billion).

These findings were revealed by two separate studies, highlighting the vulnerability of Europe to rising temperatures. According to the study from Imperial College London, nearly two-thirds of the heat-related deaths would not have occurred without the influence of climate change. The heat waves began in May and persisted through September, with temperatures surpassing previous records by significant margins.

In Western Europe, average temperatures were nearly 3 degrees Celsius higher than the summer average between 1991 and 2020, with some days reaching up to 12 degrees Celsius above the norm. The studies found that climate change accounted for approximately two-thirds of the excess mortality toll, up from about 40% in 2003. The Imperial College London study examined data from 854 cities in 30 countries across the EU, U.K., Switzerland, and Norway, representing about 40% of the region's total population.

Heat stress exacerbated existing health conditions, particularly among the elderly, those with pre-existing heart or respiratory issues, and individuals from poorer backgrounds. Infrastructure in Europe also suffered due to the extreme temperatures, with wildfires causing destruction, hospitals overheating, transportation systems breaking down, and cooling systems in refrigerators and air conditioners failing.

The findings underscore the urgent need for measures to protect vulnerable populations and address the long-term impacts of climate change.