New Delhi, July 13 -- A historic and intense June heatwave has swept across Europe, resulting in an estimated 20,000 fatalities. Described as the widest and most intense heatwave ever recorded on the continent, the unprecedented temperatures have laid bare the severe, real-world consequences of human-induced climate change.

In Germany, where a record high of 41.7 degC was set, almost 5,500 people are thought to have died, according to preliminary government data. While about 2,700 people lost their lives in England and Wales during the June heatwave.

A report cited by The Guardian indicated that over 40% of the deaths during this heatwave would not have occurred without the 1.4 degC of human-caused global warming recorded to date. Exper...