WHO warns European heatwaves have caused over 200,000 deaths in four years

The World Health Organization has warned that Europe must strengthen protective measures against heat waves, after more than 200,000 people have died from extreme temperatures over the past four years. Regional Director Hans Henri P. Kluge said extreme heat is the most immediate lethal consequence of climate change and is no longer a rare phenomenon.

The WHO says most of the heat‑related deaths could have been prevented with effective policies. It calls on governments to establish cooling centres, expand urban green spaces, protect the elderly and other vulnerable groups, and adapt working hours during hot days. Europe is warming faster than many other regions, and an aging population, urbanisation and rising temperatures increase the risk of heat‑related illness and death. The organization has set a goal of reducing heat‑related fatalities to zero through preventive action and cooperation across all levels of institutions.