Europe Faces Health Crisis Amid Extreme Heat Wave
Severe Heat Impacting Europe
photo: @mhdksafa/X
Geneva, June 29: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 1,300 additional deaths across Europe since June 21 due to soaring temperatures, as stated by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the social media platform X.
According to Tedros, "Currently, 150 million individuals are enduring extreme heat conditions, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, school closures, and overwhelmed power grids."
He cautioned that "heat stress, often referred to as the 'silent killer,' poses a significant risk as many European homes, schools, and workplaces were not designed to withstand such high temperatures."
Tedros highlighted that Europe is warming at a rate twice that of the global average, making it the fastest-warming continent.
He noted that climate change is causing what was once considered a 'once-in-a-generation' heatwave to occur almost every year.
The WHO is collaborating with member states and partners to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat by enhancing preparedness, prevention, and health system responses. Tedros urged European nations to adopt heat health action plans as part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard health against climate change.
In addition, the WHO has released practical advice for staying cool during extreme heat on its website. Recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, seeking shade, and spending two to three hours daily in cooler environments, as reported by a news agency.
To maintain cooler indoor temperatures, the WHO suggests utilizing nighttime air for cooling, keeping windows closed and covered during the day when outdoor temperatures exceed indoor levels, and minimizing the use of electrical devices.
The guidance also indicates that electric fans should only be used when temperatures are below 40 degrees Celsius, as they can raise body temperature in hotter conditions. For air conditioning, setting the thermostat to 27 degrees Celsius while using a fan can create a perceived temperature drop of 4 degrees Celsius and significantly reduce cooling costs.
To stay cool and hydrated, the WHO recommends wearing light, loose clothing, taking cool showers, dampening the skin with a cloth or spray, and drinking water regularly—at least one cup per hour and two to three liters daily.
Additionally, the guidance stresses the importance of checking in on vulnerable individuals, particularly those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, disabilities, or those living alone.
The WHO also advises against leaving children or pets in parked vehicles, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and using a wet, thin cloth instead of dry fabric to cover infant strollers to prevent overheating.