Does Europe suffer more heat deaths than the US?

Does Europe suffer more heat deaths than the US?

From More or Less by BBC Radio 4

June 17, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

Tim Harford investigates the statistics surrounding heat deaths in Europe compared to the US, along with discussions on egg production and political dynamics.

Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news. This week: (00:31) Claims have circulated on the internet that Europe sees a particularly high number of deaths from heat waves, especially when compared to the US. Can we really compare the statistics, and is air conditioning a silver bullet? (06:59) Sainsbury’s are making the switch from brown to white eggs, on the basis of claims about their carbon footprint - but how do you work this out? We talk to an egg man about eggs. A lot. (13:56) Are Conservative MPs frit? That’s what a Labour MP thinks after a recent PMQs saw no Conservative backbenchers ask a question. Are they really afraid to ask Keir Starmer a question? Or is it just probability? (19:20) In a series full of Welsh twists, another Welsh twist; have we been guilty of drastically underestimating the area of Wales by failing to account for its majestic mountains and plunging valleys? Topography is top of mind for our top team. More or Less is the programme that looks at numbers and statistics in news and in life. We’re always looking for questions from listeners - you can contact us on moreorless@bbc.co.uk . Guests: Gary Ford - policy advisor at the British Free…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Harford

Guests: Gary Ford, Dr Laura Graham, Dr Jen Visser Rogers

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: British Free Range Egg Producers Association, University of Birmingham, Coronado Research

Places: Europe, US, Wales

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