WHO.. Heatwaves Caused More Than 200,000 Deaths in Europe Over Four Years

Organization (WHO) has announced that extreme heat caused more than 200,000 deaths across Europe over the past four years. The organization warned that climate change is turning heatwaves into a recurring crisis responsible for a large number of deaths that could largely be prevented.

Speaking at the launch of the WHO’s new guidance on protecting people from extreme heat, Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stressed that most of the deaths recorded in the European Union and associated countries “could have been entirely prevented.”

He also noted that millions of people have suffered physical and mental health impacts due to extreme heat, describing it as “the most immediate and deadly consequence of climate change.”

Kluge emphasized that while individual preventive measures—such as avoiding excessive heat exposure and staying well hydrated—can make a significant difference, a strong, coordinated, and institutional response is needed to address what he described as a systemic crisis.

Climate and health experts warn that rising global temperatures are leading to more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves, with older adults and people living with chronic illnesses facing the greatest risks.

These heatwaves contribute to a growing number of heat-related illnesses each year and also cause economic losses amounting to billions of dollars worldwide.