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More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as a result of an intense heatwave, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that extreme temperatures are becoming an increasingly deadly consequence of climate change.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that around 150 million people across Europe are currently living under extreme heat conditions, with hundreds of deaths reported, schools forced to close and electricity grids coming under severe strain.
“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’,” Tedros wrote on social media platform X, warning that many homes, workplaces and schools across Europe were never designed to withstand such prolonged periods of extreme heat.
He stressed that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average. As a result, heatwaves that were once considered rare are now occurring almost every year.
“Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwave is now occurring nearly annually,” he said, urging governments to strengthen preparedness and invest in long-term measures to protect public health.
The WHO said it is working closely with member states and partners to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat through improved preparedness, prevention strategies and stronger health systems. Tedros called on European countries to implement comprehensive heat-health action plans as part of broader efforts to address the growing health risks posed by climate change.
Alongside the warning, the WHO issued updated public health guidance to help people stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
The agency advised people to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, remain in shaded or air-conditioned places whenever possible and spend at least two to three hours each day in a cool environment.
To keep homes cooler, the WHO recommended ventilating buildings with cooler night air, keeping windows and blinds closed during the daytime when outside temperatures exceed indoor temperatures, and switching off unnecessary electrical appliances that generate heat.
The organization also cautioned against relying solely on electric fans during extremely high temperatures. It said fans should only be used when temperatures remain below 40 degrees Celsius, as they may worsen heat exposure above that level. Where air conditioning is available, the WHO recommends setting thermostats to around 27 degrees Celsius and using a fan simultaneously to improve cooling while reducing electricity consumption.
The guidance further urges people to stay well hydrated by drinking water regularly, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, take cool showers, and cool the skin with damp cloths or water sprays.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including older adults, people with heart, lung or kidney diseases, individuals with disabilities and those living alone. The WHO also reminded people never to leave children or animals inside parked vehicles and advised parents not to cover baby strollers with dry fabric, as it can trap heat and raise temperatures inside.
Health experts warn that without stronger climate adaptation measures and early warning systems, extreme heat is likely to claim more lives across Europe in the years ahead as global temperatures continue to rise.
