Europe’s Heatwaves Expose Lack of Preparedness
The onset of meteorological summer has brought intense heatwaves across Europe, arriving even before spring had ended. While western Europe has largely moved past last week’s record-breaking temperatures in the UK and Ireland, the continent is already preparing for more extreme heat. The combination of oppressive daytime heat, restless nights, and increasing wildfire risks is causing concern. On Tuesday, the World Meteorological Organisation issued a warning about the imminent return of the El Niño weather pattern, which is expected to exacerbate warming conditions.
Although the exact number of fatalities caused by this recent heatwave remains unclear, early modelling by an environmental epidemiologist estimated approximately 250 additional deaths in the UK alone during the weekend preceding the temperature peak. The overall death toll is expected to be significant, partly because the heatwave occurred before many people had adapted to the conditions to protect themselves effectively.
Heat’s Deadly Toll and Climate Impact
Before examining current measures to safeguard populations as temperatures rise, it is important to consider three critical points that highlight the severity of the situation.
First, heat causes more deaths in Europe annually than many other concerns such as crime or terror attacks.
Second, the burning of fossil fuels has intensified heatwaves, making them hotter, longer, and more lethal. A study published in September attributed two-thirds of heat-related deaths in European cities to climate change.
Third, although simple, cost-effective interventions exist that could save lives and ultimately pay for themselves, these measures remain largely absent from national political agendas.
A 2024 survey of European countries revealed that only 21 out of 38 had established heat-health action plans. Initiatives such as converting car parks into green spaces are still often viewed as radical proposals.
Emergence of Climate Shelters Across Europe
Despite widespread inaction, some progress has been made. One notable development is the rise of climate shelters, which offer people a place to cool down and hydrate during heatwaves. Unlike the large sports facilities used as cooling centers in the US and Australia, European cities typically utilize air-conditioned public buildings such as schools, museums, and libraries, which are familiar and accessible to residents.
Ana Terra Amorim-Maia, a researcher at the Basque Centre for Climate Change, explained that in Barcelona, the realization that minor investments could open these spaces to those in need was pivotal.
"The thing that clicked in Barcelona was the realization that minor investments could open these spaces to citizens in need," said Amorim-Maia.
The responsibilities for local governments and business owners who provide these shelters are relatively straightforward.
"You need to maybe change the opening hours, put more staff in, train them more, [add] some signs and communication material. But these are minimal adaptations and they can, hopefully, save a life."
Since the program’s inception in 2020, Barcelona has expanded the number of climate shelters to over 400, and the concept has spread throughout Spain. In December, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a national network of climate shelters as part of a “state pact to tackle the climate emergency.” Similar initiatives are emerging across Europe, with formal cooling zones established in cities from Paris to Vienna.
Challenges and Limitations of Current Measures
However, the situation remains imperfect. Daytime shelters provide limited relief from the increasing frequency of tropical nights, which hinder recovery from daytime heat. Additionally, although extreme heat began in May this year, many climate shelters were scheduled to open only in June. There have also been operational challenges; for example, Amorim-Maia recounted that a friend seeking refuge in a Bilbao climate shelter during 30°C heat last year found it closed because its opening hours had been reduced over the summer.
Regional Differences in Heat Exposure and Adaptation
Southern Europe experiences the most intense heat, but the greater challenge in adapting to rising temperatures may lie in northern Europe. Mediterranean countries have traditionally designed streets and buildings to mitigate heat, incorporating features such as shutters, awnings, shaded streets, and public fountains. Residents in these regions are already adapting to reduce risks.
In contrast, northern European countries like the UK, Switzerland, and Norway are projected to experience the greatest relative increase in uncomfortable temperatures, according to a 2023 study.
UK’s Vulnerability and Proposed Solutions
In the UK, poorly insulated homes expose residents to hazardous temperatures during both winter and summer. Some regions expect heatwaves to worsen to the extent that passive cooling methods, such as natural shading, will no longer suffice to ensure safety. Recently, the UK government’s official climate advisers recommended installing air conditioning in all care homes and hospitals within the next decade, and in all schools within 25 years. However, some climate campaigners have criticized these recommendations.
Simple Actions Can Save Lives
The encouraging news is that heat-related deaths can be mitigated through individual actions. Unlike other environmental hazards such as air pollution, heat is a threat over which people have considerable control. Basic measures like drawing blinds, staying hydrated, and remaining indoors during peak heat hours are effective.
One often overlooked recommendation is to check on neighbors, especially older individuals living alone, who are disproportionately represented in heat-related mortality statistics.
Simple interventions, such as alerting authorities if someone appears unwell, could prevent fatalities.
This advice does not diminish the importance of greening urban areas or rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists affirm will make a meaningful difference. Nevertheless, during heatwaves, reaching out to vulnerable neighbors or relatives with a cool drink or ice cream may literally save lives.
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