Climate change increases heat-related mortality in European cities

A report by the Lancet Countdown Europe consortium, published in The Lancet Public Health, reveals that climate change is causing severe health consequences for residents in over 800 European cities. The study, titled ‘The Lancet Public Health: 2026 Europe Cities Report’, indicates that heat-related mortality in urban areas increased by an average of 82 deaths per million inhabitants between 2015–2024 compared to the 1991–2000 period.

Southern European cities are the most severely impacted, seeing an average increase of 132 deaths per million inhabitants, a 161 percent rise. Western Europe recorded an average of 64 additional deaths per million. Beyond extreme heat, the report highlights rising risks from infectious diseases, increased pollen allergens in northern cities, the spread of Vibrio bacteria in marine products, and increased exposure to toxic wildfire smoke.

Researchers Cathryn Tonne and José Chen-Xu from ISGlobal emphasize that municipal authorities must lead mitigation and adaptation efforts to create resilient, low-carbon communities and protect public health.