Europe’s deadliest summer in 26 years leaves 50,000 dead, study estimates
Summary
More than 50,000 people are estimated to have died from heat in European cities during the summer of 2026, making it the region’s deadliest summer in 26 years. Researchers say about two-thirds of the deaths were linked to human-induced climate change driven by fossil fuel pollution.
Key Points
- Researchers estimate 50,391 heat-related deaths across 854 European cities between June and August 2026.
- More than 32,600 of the deaths were attributed to climate change, with fossil fuel pollution now responsible for about two-thirds of heat-related mortality.
- Western Europe recorded its hottest summer on record, and cooler northern regions such as the United Kingdom also saw thousands of estimated heat deaths.
- Scientists say extreme heat is becoming more dangerous and that deaths among younger age groups are particularly concerning.
