EU advisers warn of inadequate heatwave preparedness after 16,000 excess deaths

Europe is facing an inadequate response to escalating heatwave threats, with over 16,000 excess deaths recorded this summer, according to the European Union's health security committee. The committee has urged a fundamental shift from reactive emergency measures to systematic, long-term planning to bolster the continent's resilience against increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, driven by climate change.

The committee's opinion, adopted on July 30, highlights that public health systems in many EU countries are insufficiently prepared for prolonged extreme heat. It advocates for a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach involving all levels of government and society, integrating short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. The health impacts of extreme heat extend beyond heatstroke, exacerbating existing conditions, straining healthcare systems, and affecting plant and animal health, with cascading effects on livelihoods and mental well-being. Wildfire risks also increase, leading to poorer air quality and infrastructure damage.

Key recommendations include enhancing inter-departmental coordination, ensuring Heat-Health Action Plans are regularly updated and jointly developed by public health and civil protection agencies, and improving information sharing via the EU's Early Warning and Response System. The committee also calls for evidence-based measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and outdoor workers, and for better training of healthcare professionals to manage heat-related illnesses. Public communication strategies, including multilingual advice for tourists and cross-border workers, are also emphasized.

Furthermore, the opinion stresses the need to address data gaps and strengthen the evidence base on heatwave health impacts through the European Climate and Health Observatory. These recommendations precede the European Commission's planned European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience, expected by the end of 2026, which aims to enhance the bloc's preparedness for climate-related risks.