# WHO Urges Climate-Resilient Healthcare Systems Amid Europe's Heatwave Crisis

*The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Europe's current heatwave is a critical reminder of the urgent need for climate-resilient healthcare systems.*

June 24, 2026 · Health

## At a glance

- Europe's heatwave is putting people's health at risk.
- Temperatures in Europe are rising at twice the global average rate.
- The WHO urges investment in climate-resilient health systems.
- Human-induced climate change is exacerbating the current heatwave.
- The WHO provides recommendations for protecting against heat-related illnesses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that the heatwave currently gripping Europe is placing people's health at significant risk. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for European leaders to invest in making their health services more resilient to climate change. Temperatures across the continent have soared, leaving tens of thousands without power and highlighting Europe's inadequate preparedness for extreme heat.

## Rising Temperatures and Health Risks

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that temperatures in Europe are rising at roughly twice the global average rate, increasing the likelihood and severity of extreme heat events in the future. He stressed that the data are clear: human-driven climate change is amplifying such extremes, with weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods becoming more intense and frequent.

## Immediate and Future Health Impacts

The current heatwave is significantly exacerbated by human-induced climate change. A recent scientific study indicates that without climate change, current temperatures would be 2 to 4°C cooler. The WHO has urged people to be aware of the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, noting that high-intensity heatwaves can bring high acute mortality. In 2003, 70,000 people in Europe died as a result of the June-August heatwave.

## WHO Recommendations for Heat Protection

The WHO recommends several measures to protect against heat-related illnesses. These include using electric fans only when temperatures are below 40°C, setting air conditioning thermostats to 27°C, and drinking at least two to three litres of water per day during heat episodes. The agency also advises that it may be cooler outdoors in the shade.

## Call to Action for Leaders

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on European leaders to prioritize investment in climate-resilient health systems while accelerating climate action and mitigating the drivers of the climate crisis. He emphasized that further delay is not an option, given the clear and present danger posed by rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/health/who-calls-for-climate-resilient-healthcare-in-heatwave-hit-europe