Germany Records Record 15,800 Heat-Related Deaths as Europe Battles Extreme Summer

Germany has recorded an estimated 15,800 heat-related deaths this summer, setting a new national record as severe heatwaves continue to affect large parts of Europe.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s national public health institute, said on Thursday that people aged over 75 were the worst affected. About 9,600 heat-related deaths were recorded during one week in late June, when temperatures climbed above 40°C in parts of the country.

A further 4,000 deaths were estimated between late July and mid-August, bringing the total to 15,800. The figure is significantly higher than the previous decade-long record of 8,900 heat-related deaths recorded in 2018.

Extreme heat has affected much of Europe this summer, with prolonged periods of high temperatures and drought contributing to rising deaths, widespread wildfires, crop damage and falling water levels in major rivers. France, Britain and Spain have also reported thousands of excess deaths linked to the heat.

The RKI said its estimates are based on statistical models comparing the number of deaths recorded during summer weeks affected by heatwaves with mortality levels during weeks without extreme heat. Heat can cause death directly through conditions such as heatstroke, but it can also worsen existing cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases.

The record mortality figures have renewed pressure on Germany’s government to strengthen its response to extreme heat and climate change. Heat protection was discussed during a two-day cabinet retreat led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, although the government did not announce new measures.

Merz said Germany’s 16 states are primarily responsible for heat protection and noted that they are due to receive €100 billion over the next 12 years from a special infrastructure and climate protection fund. He also said the government would consider support for the agricultural and forestry sectors affected by drought and wildfires.

Environmental Action Germany, however, accused the government of failing to take effective action following what it described as an exceptionally severe summer. The group called for more funding and legal changes to help cities reduce heat by replacing paved surfaces and increasing tree planting, warning that future summers are likely to become even hotter.