The World Health Organization reports that more than 200,000 people in Europe have died from extreme heat since 2022. Most of the deaths could have been prevented, according to the WHO's Europe chief.
The WHO states that extreme heat particularly affects the elderly, children and people with heart or kidney diseases. The conditions lead to dehydration, heatstroke and worsened illnesses.
Hans Kluge, WHO Europe chief, says most of the deaths were completely preventable. He describes the consequences of climate change as a clear and imminent threat where extreme heat is the most immediate and deadly expression.
At the end of May, large parts of Western Europe were hit by a heatwave. Spanish authorities reported last week the highest number of heat-related deaths for May since 2015.
