Europe saw an average of 176.040 deaths per year between 2000 and 2019 due to rising temperatures, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans-Henry P. Kluge, said in a statement.
According to the WHO, the European Region is the fastest warming of the six World Health Organization regions, where temperatures are rising at about twice the global average.
Across the Region, in its 53 Member States, people are paying the ultimate price. The three warmest years on record for the WHO European Region have all occurred since 2020 and the 10 warmest years on record since 2007, it added.
A few days ago, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mr. Kluge reported, made an extreme heat appeal in response to the deadly effects of rising temperatures around the world. In some parts of the world, the climate crisis is already driving temperatures to unbearable levels and estimates show that globally, around 489.000 deaths per year were linked to heat between 2000 and 2019, with the European Region accounting for 36%, or an average of 176.040 deaths per year between 2000 and 2019.
The Secretary-General's call identifies four critical areas for action to care for the vulnerable, protect workers, strengthen the resilience of economies and societies, and limit global temperature increase to 1,5°C. This is particularly important for the European Region, where over the past 20 years, there has been a 30% increase in heat-related mortality, with heat-related deaths increasing in almost all countries in the Region where temperatures are monitored.
Heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death in the Region. Extreme temperatures exacerbate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases, mental illness and diabetes-related conditions. Extreme heat is a particular problem for the elderly, especially those who live alone. It can also put extra burden on pregnant women.
Heat health action plans are a critical adaptation process, making communities more resilient to heatwaves. More than 20 countries in the European Region have such plans in place. While this is encouraging, it is not enough to protect all communities, it said.
Through the European Center for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, WHO is preparing an updated, second edition of the action plan guide for health in heat-prone areas. This guide will provide an evidence-based reference for national and local governments to create their own plans or update existing ones. The process of developing these plans brings together actors from many sectors with the aim of improving heat risk management.
Mr Kluge said the negative health effects of heat can largely be prevented using good public health practices, so "if we are better prepared for a warmer region, we will save many lives, both now and in the future".
For this summer as for previous summers, Mr Kluge recalled the annual WHO/Europe #KeepCool campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of extreme heat and the simple guidelines that can keep everyone safe.
It urges the public to stay out of the heat, avoid going out and doing vigorous activities during the hottest time of the day. Stay in the shade and do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles. If necessary and possible, they invite the public to spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place, such as a supermarket or cinema.
It also suggests keeping the home cool by using night air and reducing the heat load inside the home or room during the day by using blinds or shutters.
The public is also urged to keep their bodies cool and hydrated by wearing light and comfortable clothing and light bedding, cool showers or baths, and drinking water regularly while avoiding sugary, alcoholic or caffeinated beverages due to their dehydrating effect on the body.
They are also asked to check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, who spend a lot of time alone.
As Mr Kluge said, “we must step up concerted action to protect our health from this most immediate and deadly impact of climate change. I fully support the Secretary-General's Call to Action, which is both urgent and timely to bring global attention to addressing this global public health threat."
Source: KYPE
