Health – WHO Urges Europe to Strengthen Heat Preparedness Amid Rising Death Toll
Health – Europe is facing another intense spell of extreme heat, prompting global health authorities to urge governments and communities to strengthen preparedness measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) says prolonged high temperatures have already contributed to more than 1,300 excess deaths across the continent since June 21, highlighting the growing public health risks linked to climate change.
WHO Raises Concern Over Escalating Heat Emergency
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that nearly 150 million people across Europe are currently experiencing dangerous heat conditions. In a message shared on social media, he noted that the heatwave has disrupted daily life in several countries, forcing school closures while placing additional pressure on electricity networks. He stressed that heat-related illness often develops quietly, making it one of the most underestimated public health threats.
According to the WHO, many homes, workplaces and educational institutions across Europe were originally designed for much cooler climates, leaving millions of people vulnerable as temperatures continue to rise beyond historical averages.
Climate Change Increasing Frequency of Extreme Heat
The WHO has described Europe as the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at nearly twice the global average. Health experts say prolonged heatwaves that were once considered rare are now becoming far more frequent because of climate change and global warming.
The organization warned that extreme heat is no longer an occasional event but a recurring challenge that demands long-term planning. It has urged European governments to adopt comprehensive heat health action plans that combine emergency response, public awareness and healthcare preparedness to reduce preventable deaths during periods of unusually high temperatures.
Practical Advice to Stay Safe During Heatwaves
To help people protect themselves, the WHO has published updated recommendations for coping with extreme heat. The guidance encourages limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, staying in shaded areas whenever possible and spending several hours each day in cooler indoor environments.
The agency also recommends improving indoor comfort by allowing cooler night air into homes after sunset while keeping windows, curtains and blinds closed during the daytime to block excessive heat. Reducing the use of unnecessary electrical appliances can also help lower indoor temperatures.
Proper Use of Fans and Air Conditioning
The WHO advises that electric fans should only be used when temperatures remain below 40 degrees Celsius. Once temperatures exceed that level, fans may circulate hot air and increase heat stress instead of providing relief.
For homes equipped with air conditioning, the organization suggests setting the thermostat to approximately 27 degrees Celsius while using a fan simultaneously. This approach can make indoor spaces feel several degrees cooler while significantly lowering electricity consumption compared with running air conditioning at much lower temperatures.
Hydration and Care for Vulnerable Groups
Health experts recommend wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, taking cool showers when necessary and keeping the skin cool with damp towels or water sprays. Regular hydration is equally important, with adults encouraged to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.
The WHO has also called on communities to regularly check on older adults, people living alone and individuals with heart, lung or kidney conditions, disabilities or other health concerns, as these groups face a greater risk of heat-related illness.
The organization further reminded families never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short period, as temperatures inside can rise rapidly. Parents are also advised not to cover baby strollers with dry fabric because it traps heat. Instead, a thin damp cloth can provide safer protection when kept moist.