WHO says most European heat‑related deaths are avoidable

The World Health Organization warned that more than 200,000 premature deaths in Europe over the past four years were linked to extreme heat, and that the vast majority could have been prevented. WHO Europe director Hans Kluge emphasized that heat waves are no longer rare events but a recurring crisis that strains health systems and infrastructure. The highest mortality was recorded in Italy, followed by Spain, Germany and Greece, with Greece having the highest death rate per million inhabitants.

In response, WHO released the second edition of its heat‑health action plan, urging governments to expand urban green spaces, establish cooling centres, ensure the hydration and care of the elderly, and train teachers and caregivers to recognise heat‑related illnesses. The plan stresses that individual actions such as staying cool at home are insufficient without coordinated public measures.

A related climate report noted that May 2026 was the second‑warmest May on record worldwide, featuring an unusually early and intense heat wave across Europe. Record‑breaking temperatures were reported in France, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Portugal, while Italy and Spain also suffered extreme conditions. Conversely, Turkey, Bulgaria and Moldova experienced severe flooding. Experts linked the event to accelerating global warming and emerging El‑Niño‑like sea‑surface temperature patterns in the tropical Pacific.