Attributing heat-related mortality to climate change

Climate change significantly exacerbates public health risks, particularly heat-related mortality. This PhD thesis examines the impact of human-induced climate change on heat-related deaths in Europe, focusing on regional and demographic disparities. Using Eurostat’s weekly mortality data, stratified by sex and age, the research ensures transparency and comparability. Study I assesses heat-related mortality in 35 European countries, finding that 56% of over 38,000 deaths during the record-breaking summer of 2022 were attributable to climate change. Study II uses extreme value theory to analyze the probability of such events, revealing a tripling likelihood due to climate change. This thesis underscores the pressing need for integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies, emphasizing tailored, region-specific approaches to protect vulnerable populations. It highlights the role of health impact climate attribution in driving climate litigation and shaping policies, contributing valuable insights to the intersection of climate change and public health.