Experts warn that extreme weather events are becoming a growing public health emergency, straining health systems and putting vulnerable populations at risk. The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) has issued an open letter to the World Health Organization, urging urgent action to protect those most at risk.
Record-breaking heatwaves are causing more frequent, intense, and deadly heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These conditions can be fatal, especially for older people, those with disabilities, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers, and people living in inadequate housing.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), vector-borne diseases such as dengue, West Nile virus, and chikungunya are on the rise. The number of cases increased by 50% last year, with over 1,400 cases of West Nile virus reported in Europe.
The PECCH warns that healthcare systems are under severe strain during heatwaves, leading to critical situations. Daily hospital admissions in Portugal increased by 19%, while emergency department visits doubled and consultations tripled in France. The commission stresses the need for prevention measures and calls for a new approach that prioritizes health, well-being, equity, and sustainability.
Investing in green spaces and reducing emissions can benefit both the environment and public health. For example, increasing urban greenery by 30% could cut heat-related deaths by up to 40%. The PECCH emphasizes that climate action is essential for health action, urging immediate attention to this growing public health emergency.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/08/13/extreme-heat-is-a-growing-public-health-emergency-experts-warn