Researchers document psychological impacts of European heatwaves

Researchers Mélusine Boon-Falleur and François Massonnet have collected thousands of testimonies regarding the psychological and physical impacts of recent extreme heatwaves across France and Europe. The surveys aimed to document the lived experiences of populations to prevent “chronic collective amnesia” regarding climate events.

Findings from the collected accounts highlight significant issues including anxiety, panic, and distress. Physical consequences reported by participants include difficulties sleeping and working, which may have contributed to broader economic impacts such as decreased growth.

Furthermore, the testimonies reveal a growing sense of anger and a breakdown of trust toward authorities due to perceived climate inaction. Boon-Falleur, a cognitive science researcher at Sciences Po Paris, noted that the goal is to understand public expectations and needs to better inform future climate adaptation strategies.