Around 175,000 people die from heat-related causes every year in Europe, with this number set to rise as the planet warms. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted on Friday that European temperatures are rising at twice the global average.
Across Europe, over 50 countries are heavily impacted, said WHO Regional Director Dr. Hans Kluge, just days after Earth recorded its highest average temperature of 17.16°C (62.89°F). The three warmest years in Europe have all occurred since 2020, and the 10 hottest years have all been recorded since 2007, the WHO report said.
Heat: The Leading Killer
“In the European region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death,” stated Dr. Kluge. “Temperature extremes are exacerbating chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular diseases, mental health, and diabetes-related conditions. Extreme heat particularly affects the elderly, especially those living alone, and can also burden pregnant women.”
Calls for Protection Measures
The WHO urged more government action to protect vulnerable populations from heat shocks. Currently, only 20 countries in the WHO Europe region have heat action plans, which is insufficient to protect all communities. This message aligns with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, warning that Earth is becoming increasingly dangerous due to rising temperatures.
Globally, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually between 2000 and 2019, with Europe accounting for 36% of these deaths, averaging over 175,000 lives lost each year.
Record Temperatures
Mr. Guterres’s comments came during a week where the three warmest days on Earth were recorded. On July 22, 2024, the global average temperature reached a new high of 17.16°C, followed by 17.15°C on July 23, and 17.09°C on July 21. These temperatures surpassed the previous record of 17.08°C set on July 6, 2023.
WHO’s #KeepCool Campaign
As part of the WHO’s #KeepCool campaign, Dr. Kluge emphasized that the negative health effects of extreme heat are largely preventable with better preparedness. The WHO’s guidance includes:
Staying out of the heat: Avoid strenuous activities and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. Spend time in cool places like supermarkets or cinemas.
Keeping homes cool: Use night air to cool homes, and utilize blinds or shutters during the day.
Keeping bodies cool and hydrated: Wear light clothing, take cool showers, and drink water regularly while avoiding sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated drinks.
Caring for others: Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly living alone.
Understanding the Risk
The UN defines heatwaves as periods of unusually hot and dry or hot and humid weather lasting at least two to three days with significant impacts on human activities. Unlike warm spells, which can occur any time of the year, heatwaves only occur during the warm season.