Studies attribute two-thirds of Europe's 2026 heat deaths to climate change

What happened?

1. Two peer-reviewed studies, slated for publication in Nature Health, estimate that more than 50,000 excess deaths from heat occurred across European towns and cities during the summer of 2026 (Skift, El Constitucional).
2. About two-thirds of the estimated heat deaths are attributed to climate change stemming primarily from fossil fuel burning, according to analyses by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
3. The analysis covered 854 urban areas across 30 countries, EU member states plus the UK, Norway and Switzerland, representing about 40% of their populations
4. Skift reports that European tourist cities drew criticism over limited shaded spaces and air conditioning during the summer

Two peer-reviewed studies due for publication in Nature Health estimate that more than 50,000 excess deaths occurred in European towns and cities during summer 2026. Analyses by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine attribute about two-thirds of the toll to climate change driven primarily by fossil fuel burning, covering 854 urban areas in 30 countries.

A machine summary written from the reports listed below; read them for the full account. How summaries are made and what is checked.