© Adobe Stock/M. Ursi Temperatures in Europe are rising at about twice the global average rate. WHO: Europe needs to prepare for new reality – frequent extreme heat waves Climate and Environment
Europe is warming faster than any other region in the world, and extreme heat is becoming one of the biggest threats to public health. This summer alone, according to preliminary data from five European countries, abnormally high temperatures have already led to almost 10 thousand additional deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that such periods will become more frequent, so countries need to prepare health systems, cities and populations in advance for life in a hotter climate.
Rapidly rising temperatures
The WHO reminds that temperatures in Europe are rising at approximately twice the global average rate. Heat waves increase hospital admissions, put additional pressure on hospitals and social services, and are especially dangerous for older people, children, people with chronic illnesses and those who work outdoors.
New package of recommendations
The organization has developed a new package of recommendations for countries in the European Region to help them better prepare for extreme heat and associated risks.
Particular attention is paid to the preparedness of health care facilities. Many hospitals are located in densely populated cities, where the so-called “urban heat island effect” makes temperatures significantly higher than in the suburbs. Due to overheating, cooling systems, power supplies and information networks can fail, and medical staff and patients experience additional stress.
Examples of adaptation to new conditions
One example of adaptation was the hospital in Buhusi in Romania. It has created a special cool room for people with heatstroke, distributed cold water, and staff have been trained in early detection of symptoms of overheating. The hospital is now seeking funding to install a modern air-conditioning system for the entire building.
WHO is also helping countries assess the resilience of health care facilities to the impacts of climate change. To do this, a special Hospital Safety Index is used, which allows you to determine whether a facility can continue to operate during emergencies. Previously, this tool was used mainly to assess preparedness for earthquakes or floods, but now it also takes into account climate threats – extreme heat, risks of interruptions in electricity, water supply and cooling of premises.
With WHO support, such assessments are already being carried out in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland and Ukraine. They help determine what investments are needed first to make the health system more resilient. Heat-specific plans are an equally important part of preparation. Such documents combine measures for early warning of the population, the work of health services, authorities and public utilities.
WHO cites the UK as an example, where a National Severe Weather Events Response Plan is in place. It includes a color-coded warning system developed in conjunction with the National Weather Service. Each level of danger is accompanied by specific recommendations for hospitals, local authorities, public organizations and residents.
This approach has already proven its effectiveness. In May this year, when temperatures in the UK reached a record 35.1 degrees for the month, increased warnings were issued. And in June, when the air temperature reached 37.7 degrees in some areas, authorities issued maximum alerts for the first time. This made it possible to prepare medical services in advance and inform the population about the necessary precautions.
Eight key areas
To help other countries build such a system, the WHO European Center for Environment, Climate Change and Health in Bonn has introduced new guidance on developing heat plans. The document contains eight key areas of work – from planning and coordination to constant assessment of the effectiveness of measures taken.
In addition, experts have prepared practical recommendations for various areas of activity and a special message bank to inform the population. It includes simple advice: drink more water, avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, stay in the shade more, regularly check on the condition of elderly relatives and neighbors. in advance.
“Our region is warming the fastest in the world. Heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives in the past four years alone, and heat-related deaths have increased by 30 percent over the past twenty years. But these deaths are not inevitable. We know how to protect people: early warning, keeping cities cooler, providing access to water and shade, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people and preparing health systems before the peak of the heat,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. countries.