Germany has recorded an estimated 5,120 heat-related deaths so far this year, with most fatalities occurring during the intense heatwave in late June. Public health authorities reported that average weekly temperatures climbed well above 20 degrees Celsius, increasing health risks across the country, especially for vulnerable people.
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Health data show that around 4,270 victims were aged 75 or older, making elderly people the most affected group during the extreme weather. More women than men also died because women make up a larger share of Germany’s oldest population. Consequently, health experts continue urging stronger protection measures for high-risk communities during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
The latest figures add to a growing climate-related crisis across Europe. Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record this year, while national authorities in France, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands also reported more than 4,700 excess deaths linked to the June heatwave. The widespread impact has renewed concerns about the effects of rising global temperatures.
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The growing death toll has intensified political debate in Germany, with opposition leaders criticising the government’s response to the heatwave. They argued that stronger action is needed to address climate change and protect public health, while also expressing concern over proposed reductions in climate-related funding within future budget plans.
Germany has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2045. However, current emissions have fallen by only about 48 percent, leading climate experts to warn that existing policies remain insufficient to meet the country’s long-term environmental targets.