WHO: 1,300 people died due to high temperatures in Europe

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made a statement on his social media account regarding the heatwave affecting Europe. Noting that Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, heating up at twice the global average, Ghebreyesus said, “Currently, 150 million people are exposed to extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools have closed, and power grids have started to collapse. Due to the impact of the climate crisis and global warming, heatwaves that were once seen 'once in a generation' are now occurring almost every year. We have previously issued warnings on this matter.”

Ghebreyesus stated that the WHO is working with member states and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat, focusing on preparedness, prevention, and stronger health system responses. Emphasizing that they encourage European countries to implement heat health action plans, Ghebreyesus said, “Since June 21, more than 1,300 deaths related to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe. Heat stress is often referred to as the 'silent killer,' and homes, workplaces, and schools in Europe are not built for these temperatures.”