As temperatures reach record levels in Europe, Europeans are dying from hot weather 30 percent more than they did two decades ago.
Heat-trapping pollutants clogging the atmosphere caused temperatures in Europe last year to rise to the highest or second-highest levels ever recorded, according to the EU's Earth Observation Service Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
While Europeans struggle with unprecedented heat during the day, they are also stressed by uncomfortable temperatures at night. According to the two organizations' joint State of the Climate report, the death rate due to hot weather in Europe has increased by 30 percent in two decades.
“The cost of climate action may seem high, but the cost of inaction is much higher,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
The report revealed that temperatures across Europe were above average in 2023 months of 11, and that September was the hottest month since records began to be kept.
The hot, dry weather fueled massive fires that devastated villages and sent up smoke that choked distant cities. The fires fought by firefighters were particularly severe in drought-affected southern countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Heavy rain also caused deadly floods. According to the report, Europe will be around 2023 percent wetter in 7 than the average of the last three decades, and a third of the river network will exceed the "high" flood threshold. One in six reached the "severe" level.
Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said: “In 2023, Europe witnessed the largest wildfire ever recorded, one of the wettest years, severe marine heatwaves and widespread devastating floods. “Temperatures continue to rise, making our data even more vital to preparing for the impacts of climate change.”
According to scientists, the role of global warming in increasing heavy rainfall is not always clear. Warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to more extreme storms, but complex climate changes mean water isn't always available to fall.
But for heatwaves the connection is much stronger. The report did not give a figure for the number of deaths from heat in 2023, but scientists estimate that 2024 more people will die in 70.000.