WHO: Europe needs more effective heatwave response plans

The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) has published an updated guide on heatwave and health action plans, aimed at authorities dealing with the increasingly severe effects of heatwaves on the population, Xinhua news agency reported. The document provides a scientific and operational framework for developing effective heatwave prevention and response measures, as Europe faces an accelerating rise in temperatures and a growing number of deaths associated with extreme heat.

According to WHO/Europe, the new edition of the Heatwave and Health Action Plans guide updates the recommendations made in the first document published in 2008 and integrates the latest scientific data and experiences accumulated at international level.

The guide is built around eight essential components, including developing early warning systems, strengthening risk communication to the population and protecting vulnerable groups during periods of extreme temperatures. According to the WHO, authorities are encouraged to develop local monitoring and intervention mechanisms that allow rapid reactions in the event of prolonged heat waves.

• Extreme heat, a growing threat to public health

The World Health Organization warns that extreme temperatures contribute annually to the increase in the number of illnesses and premature deaths globally. According to the institution, cardiovascular diseases are among the most frequently aggravated by heat waves, but the impact of high temperatures also extends to respiratory, renal or metabolic diseases. In addition, accelerated urbanization and population aging increase the vulnerability of European societies to extreme weather phenomena. The elderly, patients with chronic diseases, children and people who work outdoors are considered the most exposed to the risks associated with excessive heat.

• Europe is warming faster than any other continent

The WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, has drawn attention to the accelerating pace of climate change on the continent. "Europe is warming faster than any other continent,” the official said, quoted in a WHO/Europe statement. According to him, more than 200,000 people have lost their lives due to the effects of extreme heat in Europe in the past four years. "Heat is a silent killer, but it is not an inevitable one,” Hans Kluge stressed, adding that the new guidance provides authorities with a clear roadmap for developing prevention and intervention systems capable of reducing heat-related mortality.

• Italy, Spain and Germany among the most affected countries

According to data presented by WHO/Europe, the most premature deaths associated with extreme temperatures were recorded in Italy, followed by Spain, Germany and Greece. However, in terms of population, Greece recorded the highest mortality rate caused by heat. Data cited by Xinhua and coming from the Robert Koch Institute in Germany show that this country recorded approximately 2,500 heat-related deaths in 2025. The elderly and those suffering from pre-existing conditions were the main categories affected.

• Heat waves are becoming a major challenge for authorities

Public health experts believe that heat waves are one of the most underestimated consequences of climate change. Unlike other extreme phenomena, the effects of heat waves are often less visible, but the impact on mortality can be significant. In this context, the WHO calls on governments to treat the risks associated with extreme temperatures with the same seriousness as other natural disasters and to invest in warning systems, adapted infrastructure and protective measures for vulnerable populations.