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In 2023, Europe faced unprecedented heat, leading to over 47,000 deaths across the continent, marking the year as the hottest ever recorded. A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, published in Nature Medicine, highlighted southern Europe as the most affected, with Greece, Italy, and Spain experiencing the highest mortality rates. Vulnerable groups, particularly older individuals and women, were the most impacted by the extreme temperatures.
The research emphasized that societal adaptations, including improved healthcare and public awareness, played a crucial role in reducing the potential death toll. The study also introduced “Forecaster.health,” an online tool designed to provide early warnings of mortality risks related to extreme temperatures, helping to safeguard vulnerable populations in the future.