More than one lakh deaths during the 2023 heatwaves were linked to human-induced climate change, according to a new global study led by Australia.
Researchers analysed data from over 2000 locations in 67 countries, showing 54 per cent of 1,78,486 heatwave deaths were due to climate change. The 2023 heatwaves occurred in the hottest year on record, with global temperatures 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Southern Europe recorded the highest death rate, followed by Eastern and Western Europe. Most deaths were in subtropical and temperate Northern Hemisphere regions where extreme heat worsened heart and respiratory conditions.
Australia’s climate risk report warned millions of homes face rising sea levels and deadly heat if warming exceeds 3 degrees Celsius by 2050 and beyond.
