Between June 23 and July 2, approximately 2,300 people died from heat-related causes across Europe. Researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated that about 1,500 of those deaths were directly related to climate change.
During the 10-day study, researchers focused on 12 major cities, including Milan, Paris, Athens, and London. They found that Milan experienced the most fatalities with 499 recorded heat-related deaths, of which 317 were directly attributed to climate change.
The study emphasizes human-induced climate change as the primary contributor to these extreme temperatures. Dr. Ben Clarke, a researcher at Imperial College London, said: “Climate change has made it significantly hotter than it would have been, which in turn makes it a lot more dangerous.”
During the study, wildfires broke out in Spain, Greece, and France, and temperatures in Western Europe reached record highs, surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean Sea reached a surface temperature of 27 °C (80.6 °F), posing a threat to marine life.
Experts say heat domes are the leading driver of these unnaturally hot days across the continent. While this weather event is not new, human-induced climate change has intensified its effects.
What is a heat dome?
Heat domes are high-pressure weather systems that trap warm air over a specific geographical region. They typically last a few days to weeks and can be caused by changes in atmospheric patterns.
Brandon Buckingham, a meteorologist for the American media company AccuWeather, said, “This ‘dome’ acts like a lid, preventing heat from escaping and blocking cloud formation, which leads to persistently high temperatures and minimal relief from the heat.”
As a heat dome prevents the formation of clouds, the days lack wind, and the sun is constant. With no clouds and persistent sun, heat intensifies. These heat domes will sit over a region, warming the pavement and buildings and increasing the temperature in the dome.
Heat domes will eventually dissipate, or a low-pressure system or storm will dislodge them. The jet stream is a significant factor in the movement of a heat dome. The jet stream’s high-speed winds, flowing from west to east, can determine the duration of a heat dome.
“When the jet stream shifts or weakens, the dome may expand in size or move into new areas. Relief finally arrives when the ridge of high pressure breaks down, causing the dome to dissipate quickly,” Buckingham stated.
Heat domes are not a new phenomenon, but they have become exceedingly more common. Experts cite climate change as a leading contributor to the increase in the frequency and intensity of heat domes, as ocean temperatures rise and the behavior of the jet stream is altered.
As the planet warms and greenhouse gas emissions accumulate in the atmosphere, temperatures can rise sharply. According to the Imperial College study, Western Europe is the fastest-warming region in the Northern Hemisphere.
Looking forward
Wildfire risks remain a significant threat in much of Southern Europe, particularly in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. Temperatures have reached 44 °C (111.2 °F) in Athens, Greece, and Lefka, Cyprus, as many Europeans begin their summer holidays in these popular tourist destinations.
Northern Finland is experiencing record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) for two weeks in July. The heatwave in Lapland has reawakened fears of warming in the Arctic, as these prolonged high temperatures are accelerating the pace of climate change and affecting reindeer populations in the region.
These heatwaves are not only affecting Europe. Severe temperatures are affecting many areas around the globe. Iran is facing water shortages due to extreme heat. High temperatures in China are expected to persist through August, prompting citizens to rely on handheld fans and air conditioning.
The United States has also experienced several heat domes this summer. Much like Europe’s heat dome, the U.S. experienced extreme heat in late June into early July. The current heat dome is affecting 170 million Americans and is expected to dissipate by the end of July.
The Midwest and Southeast have been affected the most, with temperatures reaching as high as 115°F (46 °C). Heat advisories have been issued in cities in the Northeast, such as Boston and New York City, and the wildfires in Canada are also affecting the air quality in these areas.
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In Europe, an estimated 246,000 people have lost their lives due to extreme weather disasters, and wildfires have destroyed forest areas more than double the size of Portugal, all within the last 50 years.
As the climate continues to change, global temperatures continue to rise. 2024 was the hottest year on record, with an average air temperature of 15.1 °C (59.18°F), rising above pre-industrial levels by 1.5 °C (2.7°F).
Climate change is magnifying the effects and increasing the frequency of natural disasters. If the Earth’s temperature continues to rise, there will be more intense and more frequent heatwaves as well as climate disasters.
The European Commission highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather. They emphasize the importance of improved early warning systems, diversified energy sources, and innovative urban planning as key solutions for mitigating the effects of weather. They also encourage people to focus on nature-based solutions, such as protecting ecosystems or planting trees.
As climate activists often say, “There is no Planet B.” Businesses and individuals must make active efforts to limit their emissions and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In The Cover Photo: Three air conditioning units against a cement orange wall — Cover Photo Credit: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez
