Climate-Related Deaths in Europe Are Declining, Data Shows

Contrary to claims in a Politico article, evidence indicates that climate- and temperature-related deaths globally—and in Europe—have been in long-term decline. According to data from the International Disaster Database (EM-DAT), deaths from weather-related disasters, including floods, wildfires, and extreme temperatures, have plummeted by over 98% since the 1920s. This trend reflects improved resilience due to technology, infrastructure, and emergency response systems.
Politico’s assertion that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by 2100 is misleading. While heat-related deaths may rise slightly, cold-related deaths, which far outnumber heat-related fatalities, have declined significantly. A study in The Lancet found that cold kills roughly 20 times more people than heat, and warmer winters are saving lives.
Claims about mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya becoming endemic in Europe are also overstated. Despite the spread of tiger mosquitoes, actual dengue cases in Europe remain minimal, with only 304 cases reported in 2024. These diseases are driven more by international travel and urbanization than climate change.
Similarly, Politico’s claim that climate change caused 11.9 million cases of food insecurity in Europe in 2021 lacks evidence. Europe remains one of the most food-secure regions globally, with crop yields boosted by technological advances and CO₂ fertilization.
The EU has no “master plan” for climate-related deaths because there is no crisis. Real-world data shows Europe is safer than ever from weather-related threats. The greatest public health risk stems not from climate change but from energy poverty caused by costly climate policies.
In conclusion, Politico’s article relies on speculative models and cherry-picked data, ignoring the empirical decline in climate-related mortality. Europe’s resilience demonstrates that adaptive capacity, not alarmist narratives, is the key to addressing climate challenges.

Published: 6/19/2025