Human-caused climate change doubled heat-related deaths in Belgium during June 2026
A new study by the VUB’s Water and Climate department finds that anthropogenic warming made the June 2026 heat wave in Belgium 3.9 °C hotter and more than doubled the number of heat-related fatalities.
Researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel applied attribution science to the deadly June 2026 heat wave. Their analysis shows human-driven climate change increased temperatures by 3.9 °C. Out of 1,181 statistically linked deaths, 656 - or 56% - would not have occurred without this warming. The study highlights that climate change is already causing lethal impacts in Belgium, not just future projections.
Why it matters
It shows that climate change is already causing excess deaths, highlighting urgent health and policy challenges.
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