A study claims that the heatwave in Europe would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change

The exceptional heatwave currently affecting Western Europe would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change caused by human activity. This is the conclusion of an analysis published by the scientific group World Weather Attribution, which estimates that climate change has made the extreme nighttime temperatures observed this week one hundred times more likely than they were just twenty years ago.

According to researchers, this is the most intense heat wave ever recorded in the region studied. Their analysis concludes that increased greenhouse gas emissions have significantly amplified the intensity and frequency of these types of extreme weather events.

The United Kingdom recorded a record temperature for June on Thursday. This heatwave has already caused dozens of deaths, disrupted electricity supplies, and led to the closure of several schools and cultural sites in various European countries.

Scientists estimate that a comparable heatwave in June 1976 would have been about 3,5 degrees Celsius cooler than the one observed today. This difference, they say, illustrates the growing impact of climate change on extreme temperatures recorded in Europe.

The study also reveals that, among more than 800 European cities analyzed, 45% have reached or are expected to reach their highest level of heat stress ever recorded for the end of June. Heat stress occurs when the human body is no longer able to cool itself effectively through perspiration, thus increasing the risk of medical complications.

Researchers reiterate that the health consequences of heat waves are particularly concerning. They point out that more than 60,000 people lost their lives during the heat wave that struck Europe in 2022 and warn of episodes of extreme heat that are expected to become more frequent and intense if global greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.