Heatwaves in France - Nearly 5,400 deaths per year and inequalities in heat exposure
As Europe braces for a record heatwave in June, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C in some regions, two studies highlight the health consequences of heatwaves in France.
According to an Oxfam study on the impact of climate change on health, heat is thought to be responsible for around 5,400 deaths per year in the country. The NGO warns of a real public health emergency that is still not being sufficiently taken into account by public authorities.
Noting that the effects of heat go beyond dehydration in the elderly, Oxfam notes that the risk of dying from a heart attack increases by 7% during heatwave episodes, with mortality rates twice as high for women on the hottest days. When these episodes last more than a week, the risk of acute kidney failure increases by 70%.
Oxfam also finds that global warming is worsening inequality. The most deprived areas are hit hardest, with an estimated 31% excess mortality compared to the richest areas in the summer of 2025. In contrast, residents of the richest 20% of urban neighborhoods are up to ten times less exposed to the risks posed by extreme heat.
The Housing Foundation shares this assessment in its study on energy poverty in the summer. It reports that around two-thirds (66%) of people in France say they have difficulty coping with the heat in their homes and that 40% of homes are not fully equipped with shutters, even though these are essential to prevent overheating, and also notes that working-class neighborhoods are the most affected.
In these neighborhoods, residents often face multiple vulnerabilities. They are exposed to very dense urban environments, with materials that intensify heat and a lack of green spaces.
In light of these findings, both organizations are calling on public authorities to accelerate energy-efficient housing renovations.
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