Published on: 2026-07-16
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 16, 2026 Climate and Environment
Europe is warming faster than any other region in the world, and extreme heat is becoming one of the most serious threats to public health. Just this summer, according to preliminary data from five European countries, abnormally high temperatures have already resulted in nearly 10,000 additional deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns: such periods will occur increasingly often, so countries need to prepare healthcare systems, cities, and populations in advance for living in a hotter climate.
Rapid temperature rise
The WHO reminds that the temperature in Europe is rising at approximately twice the global average rate. Heat waves increase the number of hospitalizations, create additional strain on hospitals and social services, and are especially dangerous for the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work outdoors.
New set of recommendations
The organization has developed a new set of recommendations for European region countries to better prepare for extreme heat and associated risks.
Special attention is paid to the readiness of medical institutions. Many hospitals are located in densely populated cities, where the so-called “urban heat island” effect causes temperatures to be significantly higher than in the suburbs. Due to overheating, cooling systems, power supply, and information networks may fail, and medical staff and patients experience additional stress.
Examples of adaptation to new conditions
One example of adaptation is the hospital in the city of Buhuși, Romania. A special cool room has been created for people with heat stroke, cold water distribution has been organized, and the staff has been trained to detect early symptoms of overheating. Currently, the hospital is seeking funding to install a modern air conditioning system throughout the entire building.
The WHO also helps countries assess the resilience of healthcare facilities to the impacts of climate change. For this purpose, a special Hospital Safety Index is used, which allows determining whether the facility can continue operating during emergencies. While this tool was previously used mainly to assess preparedness for earthquakes or floods, it now also takes into account climate threats—extreme heat, risks of power outages, water supply issues, and cooling system failures.
With the support of the WHO, such assessments are already being conducted in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Ukraine. They help determine which investments are most urgently needed to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system.
Action plans during heat
An equally important part of preparation is specialized action plans for heat waves. Such documents combine measures for early warning of the population, the work of health services, authorities, and utilities.
As an example, WHO cites the United Kingdom, where the National Severe Weather Response Plan is in effect. It includes a color-coded warning system developed jointly with the national meteorological service. Each danger level is accompanied by specific recommendations for hospitals, local authorities, community organizations, and residents.
This approach has already proven effective. In May this year, when the temperature in the United Kingdom reached a record 35.1 degrees for that month, higher-level warnings were issued. And in June, when in some areas the air temperature rose to 37.7 degrees, authorities issued maximum-level danger warnings for the first time. This allowed medical services to be prepared in advance and the population to be informed about necessary precautionary measures.
Eight key directions
To help other countries build such a system, the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Climate Change and Health in Bonn has introduced new guidance for developing heat action plans. The document contains eight key areas of work—from planning and coordination to continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures taken.
In addition, experts have prepared practical recommendations for various fields of activity and a special message bank for informing the population. It includes simple advice: drink more water, avoid being in the sun during the hottest hours, spend more time in the shade, and regularly check on the condition of elderly relatives and neighbors.
Protect people
The WHO emphasizes that the consequences of extreme heat can be significantly reduced if action is taken in advance.
“Our region is warming faster than anywhere else in the world. In just the last four years, heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives, and heat-related mortality has increased by 30 percent over the past twenty years. But these deaths are not inevitable. We know how to protect people: by issuing timely warnings to the population, making cities cooler, ensuring access to water and shade, paying special attention to the most vulnerable individuals, and preparing healthcare systems ahead of the heat peaks,” said Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO European Regional Office.
The organization reminds that combating the effects of extreme heat requires not only national measures but also international cooperation, since climate change remains a global problem affecting all countries.
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