Published on: 2026-06-12
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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In Berlin, within the framework of the International Day of Action for Heat Protection, the European Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) presented new guidance for the development of action plans in the field of protecting public health from heat.
Every year, extreme heat leads to the worsening of the health of millions of people and becomes a cause of premature mortality worldwide. Heart and vascular diseases often arise or worsen under high temperature conditions. Urbanization and the increase in the proportion of the population belonging to high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with chronic diseases, make prolonged heat periods an increasingly serious threat to public health.
The new leadership is intended to become a scientifically grounded support for government bodies worldwide in the effective organization of measures to protect the population from the consequences of extreme heat.
Federal Minister for the Environment of Germany Karsten Schneider noted that the effects of climate change are felt worldwide, including in Germany and other European countries. Heat, according to him, poses a serious threat to the population along with droughts and storms.
“Protection from heat is also a matter of social justice. For people living in apartments in densely built urban neighborhoods who do not have access to a garden or a swimming pool, it is much more difficult to protect themselves from high temperatures,” he emphasized.
According to the minister, reducing the impact of heat is helped both by the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and by preventive measures in cities and rural areas. “Urban trees, parks, rivers, forests, and swamps noticeably cool the air and contribute to retaining moisture. Under the crowns of large trees, the temperature is often several degrees lower. Nature can help us cope with the heat if we give it such an opportunity,” said Shnayder.
The director of the European regional office of the WHO, Dr. Hans Kluge, reminded that Europe is warming faster than any other continent, and this is already reflected in the health of the population. “More than 200,000 people have died in Europe over the last four years from the consequences of heat. This must stop. Heat is a silent killer, but its consequences can be avoided,” he stated.
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