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A new study warns that millions of Europeans could die from heat-related causes by the end of the century. The study was based on predicted climate activities in 854 different European cities. It found that hot weather could kill as many as 2.3 million people in Europe by 2100.

Presentlycold weather kills far more people in Europe than hot weather. But the study found that as temperatures continue to rise, deaths from cold weather will reduce over time. However, heat-related deaths are predicted to rise greatly.

The researchers said the number of predicted deaths could be reduced if nations are able to find better ways of cutting down carbon (碳) pollution levels. They called for increased efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and develop air-cooling systems in parts of Europe. Without such efforts, places in Italy, southern Spain and Greece are likely to see large increases in heat deaths related to climate change.

On the other hand, much of Scandinavia and Britain are predicted to see fewer cold-related deaths, largely because low temperatures are expected to be moderate.

Pierre Masselot helped lead the research of the environmental effects on human health. “The Mediterranean (地中海) is a so-called climate hotspot,” he said. “It’s an area that is warming much quicker than the rest of the world. And Malta is right in the middle of it.” The study predicts Malta’s temperature-related deaths will increase by 269 in every 100,000 people by the end of the century.

European officials reported several heat waves have killed thousands of people in recent years. The highest number was in 2003 when about 70,000 deaths were recorded. Among the areas predicted to see the most deaths from future temperature rises is Barcelona, Spain. The study found almost 250,000 people could die from temperature-related causes in that city by 2100.