Extreme weather isn’t just a climate issue; it’s a public health crisis too. The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) has raised alarms about how rising temperatures are affecting people’s well-being in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
“This is no longer a distant threat. It’s a public health emergency happening now,” the letter states. The PECCH, a group of health and climate experts from Europe, aims to prepare actionable recommendations for health and climate responses, set to be presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
Europe is facing intense heatwaves that are more frequent and deadly. These aren’t just uncomfortable; they can lead to serious health issues. The body struggles to cope, resulting in heat stress, heat exhaustion, and even complications that can lead to death.
In fact, heat is responsible for the highest number of weather-related fatalities in Europe. Over the past two decades, heat-related deaths have jumped by 30%. In 2022 and 2023, more than 100,000 people lost their lives due to extreme heat across 35 European countries.
Vulnerable populations include the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those who work outdoors. Those living in poorly insulated homes are particularly at risk.
Climate change also affects the spread of diseases. Vector-borne illnesses, such as dengue and West Nile virus, are on the rise. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Europe saw a significant jump in these cases last year, with 1,436 West Nile virus infections and 304 dengue cases reported, a stark increase compared to previous years.
The PECCH warns that health systems are struggling to cope with this crisis, exposing gaps in emergency responses. They emphasize the importance of “heat-health action plans,” which can save lives by protecting vulnerable groups and easing pressure on healthcare services. During heatwaves, hospitals in Portugal saw a 19% rise in daily admissions from 2000 to 2018. In France, emergency visits and consultations surged during heat-related incidents in 2022.
The commission advocates for immediate investment in preventative measures. They stress that climate action is health action. Steps like reducing emissions and enhancing green spaces can significantly benefit both the planet and public health. For instance, increasing urban greenery by 30% could potentially cut heat-related deaths by up to 40%.
This is an urgent call not just for environmental action but for a health revolution—reinforcing the connection between a safe climate and a healthy population. By acting now, we can protect both the earth and its inhabitants.
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World Health Organization,EU Policy,mosquito,European Union,Heatwave
