FLASH
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The World Health Organization is calling for stronger measures to protect public health after more than 200,000 people died in Europe over the past four years due to extreme heat.
On the same day that the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the start of the El Nino phenomenon in the tropical Pacific, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a new action plan to prevent deaths related to extreme temperatures.
May 2026 provided a clear warning of the high temperatures that Europe could experience. According to the WHO, over the past four years, more than 200,000 people have lost their lives on the continent due to causes related to extreme heat waves.
The organization estimates that most of these deaths could have been prevented if specific measures had been implemented to protect public health. In this context, the second edition of Heat-Health Action Plans (HHAPs) has been published.
Who is most at risk?
Extreme temperatures can exacerbate existing diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular, and mental health disorders.
In addition to the high number of victims, extreme summer phenomena in recent years have caused physical and psychological consequences for millions of people.
The most vulnerable groups include not only the elderly, infants, children and pregnant women. People with chronic illnesses, those with mobility difficulties or cognitive disabilities, employees working outdoors, athletes, participants in mass events such as concerts, as well as migrants, refugees, homeless people and individuals living in inadequate housing conditions with limited access to clean water, electricity or sufficient food also face a higher risk.
How can extreme heat be coped with?
Individual protective measures, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, remain important. However, experts say they are no longer sufficient in the face of the climate crisis, with Europe warming faster than any other region on the planet.
The WHO emphasizes that the massive increase in the use of air conditioners is not a long-term solution. This approach is considered environmentally unsustainable, not economically affordable for all citizens and increases pressure on energy systems.
The organization recommends improving buildings, especially workplaces, creating cool spaces in neighborhoods, and interventions to limit the so-called "urban heat island" phenomenon, where temperatures in cities are significantly higher than in surrounding areas.
One of the most effective measures remains improving communication between meteorological services, health authorities, and citizens.
This includes early warnings for heatwaves, clear guidance through apps and information channels, local initiatives for hydration and support for vulnerable groups, as well as better organization of health and social services.
According to the WHO, these measures are essential to help societies prepare for and better cope with future heat waves.
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