The World Health Organisation has urged European governments to strengthen their healthcare systems against climate change as an intense heatwave continues to threaten public health across the continent.
Temperatures climbed further across Europe on Wednesday, with the record-breaking heatwave leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity and exposing weaknesses in the region’s ability to cope with extreme heat.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the soaring temperatures were disrupting daily life and posing serious health risks.
“Europe’s heatwave is closing schools and putting people’s health at risk,” he said.
He added that scientific evidence showed Europe was warming at nearly twice the global average rate, increasing both the likelihood and severity of future heatwaves.
“The data are clear: temperatures across Europe are rising at roughly twice the global average rate, increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme heat in the future,” he said on X.
“We cannot afford further delay. Leaders must prioritise investment in climate-resilient health systems, while also accelerating climate action and mitigating the drivers of the climate crisis.”
Scientists said human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts and floods, more frequent and more severe.
A recent scientific study found that the ongoing heatwave had been significantly intensified by climate change and that temperatures would have been between 2°C and 4°C lower without human influence.
The WHO also advised people to recognise the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
It said headaches, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps are signs of heat exhaustion, while confusion, collapse and seizures indicate heatstroke, which it described as “a life-threatening emergency”.
The UN health agency noted that severe heatwaves can lead to high death rates, recalling that about 70,000 people died during the June to August 2003 heatwave in Europe.
The organisation advised people to use electric fans only when temperatures remain below 40°C, warning that fans can increase body heat above that level.
It also recommended setting air conditioners to 27°C and using a fan simultaneously, saying this combination can make a room feel about 4°C cooler.
The WHO further urged people to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat by drinking at least two to three litres of water each day.