France’s Public Health Agency Warns of Climate Crisis Impact as Heat-Related Deaths Surpass 5,000

France witnessed more than 5,000 deaths attributed to searing summer heat in 2023, according to health authorities. Caroline Semaille, head of France’s public health agency, expressed that the impact was widespread, presenting a report on last year’s heat-related fatalities.

The summer of 2023 experienced four heatwaves, including in August and September, making it the fourth hottest on record in France. Globally, 2023 was also recorded as the hottest year.

France’s public health agency reported that 5,167 deaths, accounting for three out of every 100 fatalities, were linked to the summer heat. The majority of these deaths, around 3,700, were among individuals over the age of 75. The extreme heat particularly affected older people, infants, and children, putting a strain on healthcare systems.

Comparatively, nearly 7,000 deaths were attributed to heat in 2022, possibly influenced by the coronavirus pandemic as well. Following the disastrous summer of 2003, when an estimated 15,000 people died, France implemented strict heatwave guidelines.

With the Olympic Games scheduled in Paris from July 26 to August 11, concerns arise about potential challenges if faced with another scorching summer. Experts warn that climate change presents an existential threat, manifesting in more intense extreme weather events.

The Guardian