A new study projects that extreme heat could cause 2.3 million deaths in Europe by the century's end if effective measures against carbon pollution and heat adaptation are not implemented. Although current death rates from cold surpass those from heat, climate simulations show that heat-related deaths will sharply rise while cold-related deaths decrease slowly. The Mediterranean, particularly Malta, is identified as a climate hotspot under threat of increased temperatures. Despite optimistic emission reduction scenarios, a net rise in temperature-related fatalities is anticipated across Europe, particularly southern regions.
Extreme temperatures, especially heat, are projected to kill 2.3 million people in Europe by century's end unless carbon pollution is reduced and adaptation efforts increase.
The Mediterranean region is warming faster than most, with Malta predicted to see a temperature-related death rate increase of 269 per 100,000 by century’s end.
The study indicates that while southern Europe will see drastic increases in heat-related deaths, much of Scandinavia and the UK will have a slight decrease.
Even under optimistic scenarios, with significant emissions cuts and adaptation methods, a net increase in temperature-related deaths is expected as the climate warms.
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