Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, posing a significant threat to public health. According to key facts provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and can exacerbate underlying illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and asthma. Heat-related mortality has been on the rise, with a significant increase in deaths among people over 65 years of age.
In Europe alone, an estimated 61,672 heat-related excess deaths occurred in the summer of 2022. High-intensity heatwave events have resulted in significant mortality rates in the past, with 70,000 people in Europe dying during a heatwave in 2003 and 56,000 excess deaths in the Russian Federation in 2010.
Vulnerability to heat is influenced by factors such as age, health status, occupation, and socio-economic conditions. The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and preventable with specific public health policies and interventions. WHO has issued guidance for public health institutions to identify and manage extreme heat risks.
To mitigate the impact of heatwaves, individuals are advised to stay out of the heat, keep their homes cool, stay hydrated, and protect vulnerable populations such as infants, children, and the elderly. WHO emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change and limit the human costs of extreme heat. The organization is working on developing heat action plans, early warning systems, and emergency response plans to protect high-risk populations during heatwaves.