You'd be surprised how many Europeans die from the heat and cold

A new study has revealed that over 100,000 Europeans die annually due to extreme temperatures, either excessive heat in summer or severe cold in winter, with social inequality being a major contributing factor. Researchers at the Institute for Global Health in Barcelona found that reducing inequality across Europe to the level of Slovenia, which has the lowest disparity among European countries, could reduce deaths linked to extreme weather conditions by one-third. This finding comes amid record-breaking heatwaves and droughts affecting several European nations this year. The research was published earlier this year, around the time predictions were made regarding a potential record El Niño phenomenon, a climate anomaly in the Pacific with wide-reaching effects globally. These forecasts suggested a “brutal summer” for Europe, and preliminary data up to July 21 indicates that 10,440 people have died in 13 European countries affected by the current heatwave. The final death toll from August’s heatwave is still unknown, though many fatalities are likely tied to poverty and the inability to cool down during extreme heat. Europe is warming twice as fast as other continents. On average, the air in Europe is now 2.54 degrees Celsius warmer than at the start of the industrial revolution, compared to a global average increase of 1.4 degrees Celsius. Since 1990, Europe's temperature has risen by approximately 0.56 degrees Celsius per decade, while North America saw a rise of 0.42 degrees Celsius, Africa 0.36 degrees Celsius, and South America 0.27 degrees Celsius. According to researchers, reducing social inequality and material and social deprivation in Europe to the level of central Switzerland would result in approximately 59,000 fewer deaths related to extreme temperatures and poverty. Conversely, increasing inequality to the level of southern Romania, the region within the EU with the highest lack of material and social resources, could lead to an additional 101,000 deaths from weather extremes. Blanca Paniello-Castillo, a biomedical specialist and researcher at the Barcelona institute leading the study, stated that including programs aimed at reducing inequality in long-term national, regional, and local policies could address two issues at once. Researchers used mortality data from 654 regions in Europe between 2009 and 2019, along with information on extreme weather events, regional development, healthcare organization, and economic development. They found that in wealthier regions, people are less likely to die from cold-related causes due to better insulation, heating access, and healthcare services. However, these areas experience higher mortality rates from heat, attributed to the urban heat island effect. Despite generally higher material wealth, cities are often more dangerous during extreme heat due to high asphalt and concrete coverage and limited green spaces. During extreme weather events, the human body is under stress, which can lead to For many families, September marks not just a new beginning but also a period of heightened financial strain. After paying rent, utilities, and food bills, there is often not enough money left to provide everything children need at the start of the school year. Tea Dorić from the Zveza Anita Ogulin notes that while children look forward to seeing their friends again, parents face concerns about providing all necessary items for the new school year. According to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth, 186,687 primary and secondary students will begin the academic year. Although public education is free, parents are well aware that schooling involves considerable expenses. For younger children, the largest costs include notebooks and supplies, while older students require additional equipment for practical training, such as kitchen knives, uniforms, and hairdressing kits. Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia reports that approximately 298,000 residents, or 14.3 percent of the population, lived below the threshold of risk of poverty in 2025. The poverty threshold for a four-person family with two children is 2,144 euros per month. September is just the beginning, as additional costs arise throughout the school year for field trips, outdoor classes, cultural days, and sports activities. Dorić emphasizes that schools are far from free, noting that initial costs are not the only ones families face. Children from socially vulnerable backgrounds become increasingly aware of differences early on, often comparing themselves to peers based on clothing brands, backpacks, or sport shoes. This awareness leads to feelings of exclusion and anxiety about grades, acceptance, and success in school. Some parents struggle even to provide basic necessities. Many children express excitement about returning to school primarily because they miss their friends, having spent the summer without going on holidays or traveling. While they desire new backpacks, shoes, or trendy clothes, they often need a sense of security, support, and understanding that they are not alone in difficult times. Returning to school can also be challenging for some children due to fears of bullying, exclusion, or mockery. Dorić notes that children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Not necessarily because they are targeted more frequently, but because existing worries accumulate. Even seemingly innocent comparisons among peers can be hurtful. Who has new sports shoes, who traveled abroad during the summer, who arrives at school with a new backpack or branded clothing? What seems trivial to one child might trigger feelings of shame, low self-worth, and loneliness in another. Children vary greatly in sensitivity and resilience to verbal comments and situations. Some may cope better than others, but the emotional impact of financial hardship and social comparison can be profound.