In some regions of the world, as a result of the climate crisis, temperatures have risen to unbearable levels, according to the WHO. Heat takes more than 175 thousand lives in Europe every year: how to protect yourself and your loved ones Climate and environment
Every year, 175,000 people die in Europe from heat-related causes, and this figure will rise as the planet warms, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director Hans Kluge warned on Friday. According to him, temperatures in European countries are rising about twice as fast as the global average.
Kluge noted that the three warmest years on record in Europe have all been recorded since 2020.
Killer Heat
“In the WHO European Region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related mortality,” he said. “Extreme temperatures like those we are currently experiencing exacerbate chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases, mental health conditions and conditions related to diabetes. The extreme heat we are experiencing is particularly dangerous for older people, in particular those living alone. It can also be an additional risk for pregnant women.”
Earlier, in his Call to Action on Extreme Heat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the Earth was “getting hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere.”
In some parts of the world, the climate crisis has caused temperatures to rise to unbearable levels, the WHO notes. An estimated 489,000 people died each year due to heat waves between 2000 and 2019, with the European Region accounting for 36 percent of deaths, or an average of more than 175,000 lives lost each year.
Protective measures
The WHO stresses that more governments must take action to mitigate the impact of heat shocks on vulnerable populations. More than 20 countries in the WHO European Region have developed similar plans, but they are “not enough to protect all communities.”
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Kluge noted that the negative health effects of heat are preventable. “If we are better prepared for a warmer region, we will save many lives, both now and in the future,” he said.
To protect yourself from the dangers associated with rising temperatures, WHO recommends:
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Avoid the heat: Avoid going outdoors or engaging in vigorous activity during the warmest parts of the day. Stay in the shade and do not leave children in parked cars. If you must leave the house, try to spend some time indoors in cooled areas, such as a supermarket.
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Keep your home cool: Reduce the heat load during the day by using blinds or shutters.
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Wear light, loose clothing and bedding, take cool showers or baths, and drink water regularly. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated drinks, which can lead to dehydration.
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Take care of yourself and others: Check in on loved ones, friends, and neighbors. Older adults may need extra attention, especially if they live alone.