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Launch of new WHO guidance on heat–health action plans to protect our communities and save lives from extreme heat

https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/events/item/2026/06/11/default-calendar/launch-of-new-who-heat-health-action-plans-guidance 

  • What: Hybrid press conference launch of the new WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance
  • When: Thursday, 11 June 2026, 08:00–09:00 CEST (Berlin time)
  • Where: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), Stresemannstraße 128-130, 10117 Berlin, and online.
  • Registration: Please contact presse@bmukn.bund.de to register for the launch event.
  • Language: Simultaneous translation into English and German.

On 11 June 2026, WHO/Europe will launch the new WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance, an international point of reference for systemic, evidence-based health action in preparation for and response to extreme heat. Extreme heat is an urgent and growing public health threat, driven by climate change and exacerbated by urbanization and population ageing. It can increase morbidity and mortality rapidly, and places pressure on essential services, such as health and social care. The WHO European Region is the fastest warming region in the world with deep impacts on health and well-being, underlining the need for action and the relevance of the Guidance.

This is the second edition of the Guidance; the first Guidance was published in 2008, and this second edition is far more comprehensive to better support countries in developing national and local heat–health action plans or expanding and improving existing plans. It presents an updated framework across 8 core elements, highlighting key actions and decision points for heat–health action planning, coordination, delivery and improvement.

The development of the Guidance has been coordinated by the WHO European Centre for Environment, Climate Change and Health in Bonn, Germany, in collaboration with a broad multidisciplinary range of experts and through a rigorous process of peer review, as is required for WHO normative guidance. The funding was received from the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany.

Speakers include:

  • Mr Carsten Schneider, Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany
  • Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
  • Mr Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action and Assistant Secretary-General for the Climate Action Team
  • Dr Ina Czyborra, Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health, and Long-Term Care of the State of Berlin, Germany
  • Mr Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

Accreditation and embargo materials

Both virtual and in-person participation is possible for journalists. Embargoed copies of the WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance and supporting press materials can be made available to accredited media upon request.

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