This year, extreme heat has been associated with more than 25,000 deaths in Europe. This demonstrates the increasing financial and operational strain that climate-related health events are causing on healthcare systems.
Germany currently has the highest estimated number of deaths. The Robert Koch Institute states that around 11,900 excess deaths have been attributable to heat since April.
Data provided by government agencies and research institutions in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the Netherlands adds up to a regional total of over 25,000. The figures come as repeated heatwaves increase demand for emergency care. In addition, hospital treatment and community health services face more pressure.