Kathmandu: A new multi-nation scientific study has confirmed that climate change is responsible for raising temperatures in Europe by up to 4°C during a recent heatwave, putting thousands of lives at risk.

The study—conducted by five leading European research institutions—analyzed weather patterns in 12 major cities from June 23 to July 2, including Paris, London, Rome, and Madrid, covering areas with a population exceeding 30 million.

Researchers found that, in the absence of climate change, the temperatures would have been 2 to 4°C cooler. The impact was especially harsh on elderly people, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions.

It is estimated that 2,300 people died during the heatwave in the surveyed cities, with at least 1,500 deaths likely linked directly to extreme heat caused by human-induced climate change.

Scientists also warned about the dangerous effects of persistent night-time heat, which prevents the human body from recovering, further increasing health risks. Although official death tolls will take weeks to finalize, experts say the early data is already alarming.

This study adds to growing global concern as Europe faces more frequent and intense heatwaves, a pattern consistent with previous years where thousands have died due to extreme summer temperatures.