Why heatwaves are a health crisis - and how to prepare

Statement by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge

Copenhagen, 30 June 2025

Scorching heat is sweeping across the WHO European Region right now – shattering records, straining health systems and putting countless lives at risk.

It silently threatens the people who need protection most: older adults, children, outdoor workers, and anyone living with chronic health conditions.

Climate change means heatwaves are no longer rare. They are becoming more intense, more frequent and more dangerous. Extreme heat can overwhelm our bodies’ ability to cope with high temperatures, leading to serious illness and even death.

The good news? Most heat-related health impacts can be prevented. That’s why WHO/Europe runs the annual #KeepCool campaign - to remind us of the simple, life-saving steps we can all take:

1. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, staying in the shade where possible, and never leaving children or animals in parked cars.
2. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 by airing it at night, closing blinds and curtains during the day and switching off lights and devices you don’t need.
3. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥 by wearing light clothes and drinking plenty of water.
4. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 - especially those who might need extra help.

But we can’t stop there. Every country and every community need strong heat–health action plans: early warnings, clear communication, and support for those most at risk.

This is not just about surviving summer - it is about protecting our health in a changing climate.

Let’s make sure everyone knows how to stay safe, healthy and well - no matter how high the temperature climbs.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nrPP6c

Contacts:

Bhanu Bhatnagar, bbhatnagar@who.int 

Sarah Tyler, tylers@who.int