The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that extreme heat is responsible for over 175,000 deaths each year in Europe.

This accounts for approximately 36% of the estimated 489,000 global heat-related deaths recorded annually between 2000 and 2019.

Europe is experiencing temperatures rising at twice the global average rate, making it the fastest-warming continent. The WHO's alarming report highlights the severe impact of climate change on health, with extreme heat now considered the leading cause of climate-related deaths in Europe.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the severity of the situation: “Across the Region, in its 53 member states, people are paying the ultimate price.” The report notes a 30% increase in heat-related mortality over the past 20 years, with the three hottest years in Europe occurring since 2020 and the ten hottest since 2007.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently underscored the urgency of addressing extreme heat, describing it as a global epidemic with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius. He attributed the crisis to "fossil fuel-charged, human-induced climate change" and outlined potential solutions to mitigate its impact.

Extreme heat exacerbates chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes, and particularly affects the elderly, individuals living alone, and pregnant women.

The report underscores the need for urgent action to address the health impacts of rising temperatures in Europe. (ILKHA)