By Tejal Somvanshi
Around 175,000 people die each year in Europe from heat-related causes, a number expected to rise with global warming, warns the WHO.
Photo Source- Google
European temperatures are rising at double the global average, making heat stress the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the region.
The three warmest years in Europe have occurred since 2020, and the hottest decade has been recorded since 2007.
Extreme heat worsens chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular diseases, mental health issues, and diabetes-related conditions.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and pregnant women, are particularly at risk from extreme heat.
More than 20 countries in Europe have plans to mitigate thermal shocks, but these measures are not sufficient to protect all communities.
The WHO recommends staying cool and hydrated, keeping homes cool, and monitoring vulnerable individuals during heat waves.
The WHO reports that Europe, including Central Asia, is warming the fastest, with heat-related mortality increasing by 30% over the last 20 years.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent action to address extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C.