In recent weeks, Europe has once again experienced deadly consequences of record-breaking extreme heatHundreds of heat warnings have been issued across the continent, with temperatures reaching as high as 46°C in some regions.

Heat waves are the biggest climate threat to Europe, endangering millions of people – especially the elderly, children and the chronically ill. A comprehensive approach, based on data, sensible early communication, environmental infrastructure and community preparation, can truly save thousands of lives.

🌡 1. Deadly heat waves on the European continent

• Summer 2025 brought extraordinary heat waves again, in Spain, approximately died from May 16 to July 13 1,180 people, with 76 red alerts issued—compared to none last year.
• In 12 major European cities, approximately 100,000 people were recorded during a ten-day heat wave in late June and early July. 2,300 deaths, of which the direct consequences of climate change are attributed to approximately 1,500 people.
• From 2000 to 2019, an average of more than 175,000 people died from heatwaves across Europe each year. – WHO attack confirms that WHO Europe region is the fastest warming region in the world.
• During the most severe heatwave in 2022, Europe's models predicted a median of more than 61,000 deaths, while perhaps up to 70,000For 2023, it is estimated that approximately 47,000 deaths, which represents the second highest incidence in the last decade

📈 2. Causes and trends

• Climate change has increased temperatures during heat waves by 2–4°C, which increased mortality by approximately 66 % during the governments in late June to early July 2025 .
• EU areas in southern Europe are particularly affected: in the population over 65 years old, it is projected that at 1.5 °C warming tenfold increase in deaths, at 3 °C up to thirty times .
• Another risk is created by the so-called "tropical nights" and the urban heat island effect (+2 °C in many cities)

🏥 3. Impacts on society and the economy

• Excessive heat reduces work capacity, increases the number of work accidents and short-term absences, especially in open professions.
• Schools and healthcare are affected – hospitals and school buildings are often located in the most warming parts of cities (urban heat islands) even around +2 °C compared to the rural environment.

📣 4. Key challenges in communication

• Many countries and cities do not have sufficiently developed communication strategies, even during warnings.
• In many cases, the reporting gap only appears during a wave, not during annual prevention.
• Surveys in the EU show that a significant part of the population feels underinformed about the risks of heat, with older people and low-income groups being most vulnerable.

🚀 5. Three main recommendations for effective communication

1. Engage social research – adapt campaigns according to the age, region, culture and socio-economic conditions of the population.
2. Communicate throughout the year, not just during a crisis. The state prepares the community for long-term resilience.
3. Addressing gaps in risk perception, especially among those who ignore the consequences – to motivate action rather than reaction in a crisis.

🛠 6. Political and infrastructural measures

• Required: early warning systems, climate-resilient buildings, green infrastructure (parks, roof gardens, street greening) and programs for the protection of vulnerable groups.
• Health and social care capacities they must be adapted: as warnings, mobile centers, cooling places, ensuring sufficient water.
• Industry and businesses should adapt work processes – for shift work hours, air-conditioned workplaces and regulated outdoor activities.

📌 7. The need for a comprehensive EU approach

Extreme heat is new European standard: occurrence of up to ∼ 10x more frequent and longer heat waves compared to the period 1961–1990.
Only by integration communication, policy, infrastructure and community resilience Deaths and illnesses can be significantly reduced. As the WHO shows, the EU faces tens of thousands of deaths every year from heat alone. Spring