Jan 1, 2011 · Heatwaves are among the most dangerous of natural hazards, but rarely receive adequate attention because their death tolls and destruction are not always immediately obvious. A study found that from 2000–2019 approximately 489 000 heat-related deaths occurred each year, including more than 70 000 who died during the 2003 heatwave in Europe.

Heatwaves can acutely impact large populations for short periods of time, often trigger public health emergencies, and result in excess mortality, and cascading socioeconomic impacts (e.g. lost work capacity and labor productivity).

Oct 11, 2024 · During a heatwave you should aim to keep your living space cool. Check the room temperature between 08:00 and 10:00, at 13:00 and at night after 22:00.

Jun 30, 2016 · Heatwaves also place an increased strain on infrastructure (power, water and transport). Clothes and food retailing, tourism and ecosystem services can also be affected, such that there may be socioeconomic “winners and losers” from heatwave events. In some instances, heatwaves may even trigger social disturbances at a number of levels.

Dec 8, 2004 · High air temperatures can affect human health and lead to additional deaths even under current climatic conditions. Heat waves occur infrequently in Europe and can significantly affect human health, as witnessed in summer 2003. This report reviews the current knowledge about the effects of heat-waves, including the physiological aspects of heat illness and …

Heatwaves can also be associated with hazardous air pollution events. The scale and nature of the health impacts of heat depend on the timing, intensity and duration of a heat event, and the level of acclimatization and adaptability of the local population, infrastructure and institutions to the prevailing climate.

Heatwaves across Europe are affecting the health and livelihoods of millions of people.Last year in the WHO European Region, extreme heat claimed more than 60 000 lives, and by 2050 this could rise to 120 000 heat-related deaths every year. Climate change is increasing the risk of heatwaves, and extreme heat in the summer months is becoming the norm, not the exception.

Jul 28, 2023 · Heatwaves across the Region are affecting the health and livelihoods of millions of people and climate change is increasing the risk of them occurring. Extreme heat in the summer months is becoming the norm, not the exception. In 35 countries of the Region, heat claimed more than 60 000 lives in 2022 and 47 500 lives in 2023.

Jul 22, 2022 · Unprecedented. Frightening. Apocalyptic. These are just some of the adjectives used in news reports as vast swathes of the WHO European Region suffer from ferocious wildfires and record-breaking high temperatures amid an ongoing, protracted heatwave. Climate change is not new. Its consequences, however, are mounting season after season, year after …

Jan 1, 2011 · The most important actions to take during a heat-wave are: to avoid or reduce exposure, to communicate risks effectively, to take particular care of vulnerable population groups and to manage mild and severe heat illness.