Urgent Action Required as Extreme Heat Emerges as Public Health Crisis

Extreme weather, particularly rising temperatures, has been identified as a significant public health emergency. Experts are calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable populations and bolster health systems in the face of increasing heat-related mortality and disease outbreaks. The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) issued a stark warning in an open letter addressed to the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 15, 2024.

The commission, composed of independent climate and health experts from across Europe, emphasizes that the consequences of extreme weather events extend beyond climate concerns, directly impacting public health. “This is no longer a distant threat or seasonal nuisance. It is a public health emergency unfolding in real time,” the letter asserts. Established in June 2025 and convened by WHO Regional Director Dr. Hans Kluge, the PECCH aims to deliver recommendations for urgent health and climate actions at the World Health Assembly scheduled for May 2026.

Rising Temperatures and Health Risks

The European region is grappling with unprecedented heatwaves that are becoming more frequent, intense, and deadly. Experts warn that these conditions act as silent killers, leading to various health complications. During extreme heat events, the human body faces difficulties in maintaining a stable temperature, resulting in heat stress, exhaustion, and potentially fatal conditions.

Data indicates that heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths among weather-related events in Europe. Heat-related mortality has surged by 30% over the past two decades, with over 100,000 deaths reported across 35 European countries in 2022 and 2023. The groups most affected include older adults, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers, and those residing in inadequately prepared housing.

Moreover, climate change has contributed to the rise of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and West Nile virus. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Europe recorded 1,436 cases of West Nile virus and 304 dengue infections last year, reflecting a marked increase from the previous two years combined.

Healthcare Systems Under Strain

The PECCH’s letter highlights the strain that extreme heat places on healthcare systems, revealing significant gaps in response strategies. “Heat-health action plans save lives by triggering early action, protecting the most vulnerable and easing pressure on hospitals. Accelerating the adoption of these plans must be a priority – not in a few years, but now,” the coalition emphasizes.

Statistical evidence from Portugal demonstrates that daily hospital admissions rose by 19% during heatwave days between 2000 and 2018. Similarly, in France, emergency department visits doubled, and consultations for heat-related conditions tripled during heatwaves in 2022.

The commission stresses the importance of investing in preventive measures, advocating for “new measures of progress that put health, well-being, equity, and sustainability at their core.” The letter concludes with a powerful assertion: “The climate crisis is a health crisis, and climate action is therefore health action.”

Experts suggest that initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and increasing green spaces can yield significant public health benefits. For instance, enhancing urban greenery by 30% could potentially reduce heat-related deaths by up to 40%.

As Europe faces this escalating threat, the call for immediate action resonates louder than ever, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguard public health in the context of climate change.