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As Europe battles an unprecedented heatwave, the stakes have never been higher. Experts predict a staggering number of excess deaths in the coming days, with temperatures already climbing above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Southern Europe. So, what can be done to tackle this urgent health crisis? The World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping up, urging nations to prioritize protective strategies for their most vulnerable populations.
The alarming rise in temperatures shines a spotlight on the need for immediate action to safeguard lives.
Current situation: A look at the soaring temperatures
Recent reports paint a concerning picture: Southern Europe is sweltering under extreme heat, with temperatures hitting an astonishing 46 degrees Celsius in Spain’s Huelva region—marking a record for June.
Countries like Italy, Greece, Portugal, and those in the Western Balkans are facing similar scorching conditions, leading to wildfires and serious health concerns. Marisol Yglesias Gonzalez, a technical officer for climate change and health at the WHO, puts it plainly: the question isn’t if heatwaves will occur, but rather how often and how intense they’ll be this year.
This trend is particularly alarming, with predictions of over 4,500 excess deaths across Europe between June 30 and July 3, especially impacting nations such as Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Luxembourg.
The WHO reports that heat-related deaths claim over 175,000 lives each year across its Europe region, stretching from Iceland to Russia.
A study from earlier this year highlighted that without significant climate adaptation efforts, these numbers could rise sharply. What’s driving this increase? The relentless rise in temperatures, fueled by climate change and heavy fossil fuel use, leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing heightened risks of illness and death.
Health risks and protective measures
In response to the ongoing heatwave, nearly two-thirds of Spanish municipalities have issued health risk warnings, with 804 towns on the highest alert. This intense heat isn’t just a Spain problem; it’s expected to impact France, Italy, Portugal, and Greece as well.
Greece faces additional risks from air pollution due to wildfires, while Turkey has seen over 50,000 evacuations due to fires near Izmir. In Albania and Serbia, wildfires and extreme heat further complicate the situation.
The WHO has put forth several recommendations for coping with extreme heat, emphasizing the need to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak temperatures, and keep homes cool—especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, outdoor workers, pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues. It’s also important to note that certain medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can worsen heat effects, so extra precautions are a must for those taking these medications.
However, it’s essential to recognize that tackling the effects of heatwaves requires more than just quick fixes. Preparedness is critical. The WHO’s 2022 survey revealed a significant gap—only 21 out of 57 countries in the WHO Europe region have a national heat-health action plan, and of those, only 14 are EU member states. This highlights a major opportunity for proactive measures that could save lives.
Looking ahead: Strategies for future heatwaves
As heatwaves become more frequent, countries need to step up their health systems and urban planning to shield their populations from heat exposure. The WHO emphasizes that timely alert systems and communication campaigns have been implemented, but there’s still a considerable delay in preparing health systems for such events. Looking ahead, the WHO plans to release updated guidance for governments next year, focusing on “people-centered cooling” strategies at urban and regional levels to better protect populations from extreme heat.
The current scenario serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for climate action and effective response strategies to safeguard public health against the growing threat of heatwaves. Moving forward, nations must prioritize health recommendations and develop robust plans to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens. Are we ready to take these critical steps?
