Intense heatwave poses a mounting concern for public health, according to health professionals
Pan-European Commission Urges Action on Climate and Health Crisis
Amidst rising concerns over heat-related deaths and disease outbreaks due to extreme weather, the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) has issued a call to action. The commission, established in June 2025, is an independent group of climate and health experts from across Europe, convened by the WHO Regional Director Dr Hans Kluge.
The commission has highlighted the strain extreme heat and mosquito-borne diseases are placing on healthcare systems in Europe. In Portugal, daily hospital admissions increased by 19% during heatwave days between 2000 and 2018. Similarly, in France, emergency department visits doubled and consultations with physicians tripled during heatwaves for heat-related conditions in 2022.
Heat causes the largest number of weather- and climate-related extreme event deaths in Europe. In the past two decades, heat-related mortality has risen by 30%, with over 100,000 deaths recorded across 35 European countries in 2022 and 2023 combined. The health effects of climate change can also be seen in the rise of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. In 2022 and 2023, there were 1,436 cases of West Nile virus and 304 dengue infections acquired in Europe, up from 201 in the previous two years combined.
To address these issues, the PECCH has made several key recommendations. Firstly, they urge the need for increased preparedness and climate adaptation across all 53 WHO member states in Europe and Central Asia. This includes protecting the most vulnerable groups such as older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women, young children, outdoor workers, and those living in poor-quality housing.
Secondly, the commission emphasizes the importance of implementing measures to reduce emissions and expand green spaces. Increasing urban greenery by 30% could potentially cut heat-related deaths by up to 40%. These actions deliver dual benefits for public health and the environment.
Thirdly, the PECCH suggests strengthening health systems to build resilience against heat stress, heatstroke, and the wider health complications exacerbated by extreme heat. This includes the rising incidence of infectious diseases like dengue, which has surged significantly in Europe recently.
Fourthly, the commission calls for mobilizing political will and governance to integrate climate and health policies effectively. This includes scaling up systematic action and driving implementation of right policies into practice to build climate-resilient health systems and communities.
Lastly, the PECCH recommends addressing the mental health impacts, economic pressures, and infrastructure strains caused by extreme weather events as part of a comprehensive public health strategy linked to climate action.
The commission's call for action is addressed to the World Health Organization and EU Policy makers. The upcoming final recommendations, based on three thematic hearings and to be presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2026, aim to accelerate integrated climate and health action that protects populations and ensures health security amid an intensifying climate crisis. The commission describes the climate crisis as a health crisis, implying that climate action is health action.
- The commission has issued a call to action for the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) to combat rising concerns about heat-related deaths and disease outbreaks due to extreme weather.
- Established in June 2025, PECCH is an independent group of climate and health experts from across Europe, convened by the WHO Regional Director Dr Hans Kluge.
- PECCH highlights the strain extreme heat and mosquito-borne diseases are placing on healthcare systems in Europe.
- Portugal experiences a 19% increase in daily hospital admissions during heatwave days between 2000 and 2018.
- In France, emergency department visits doubled and consultations with physicians tripled during heatwaves for heat-related conditions in 2022.
- Heat causes the largest number of weather- and climate-related extreme event deaths in Europe, with a 30% rise in heat-related mortality in the past two decades.
- Over 100,000 heat-related deaths were recorded across 35 European countries in 2022 and 2023 combined.
- Climate change can be seen in the rise of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, West Nile virus, and chikungunya.
- There were 1,436 cases of West Nile virus and 304 dengue infections acquired in Europe in 2022 and 2023, up from 201 in the previous two years combined.
- The PECCH requests increased preparedness and climate adaptation in all 53 WHO member states in Europe and Central Asia, focusing on vulnerable groups.
- Implementing measures to reduce emissions and expand green spaces could potentially cut up to 40% of heat-related deaths.
- Strengthening health systems to build resilience against heat stress, heatstroke, and infectious diseases like dengue is vital.
- The commission calls for mobilizing political will and governance to integrate climate and health policies effectively.
- Systematic action is needed to drive implementation of right policies into practice for building climate-resilient health systems and communities.
- The PECCH addresses mental health impacts, economic pressures, and infrastructure strains caused by extreme weather events as part of a comprehensive public health strategy linked to climate action.
- The commission's call for action targets the World Health Organization and EU Policy makers.
- The upcoming final recommendations, based on three thematic hearings, will be presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
- Integrated climate and health action aims to protect populations and ensure health security amid an intensifying climate crisis.
- The commission describes the climate crisis as a health crisis, implying that climate action is health action.
- In the realm of workplace wellness, companies can prioritize mental health, improve environmental practices, and offer fitness and exercise programs to employees to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Nutrition plays a crucial part in maintaining cardiovascular health, with a balanced diet and regular exercise being the main components.
- Environmental science is essential in understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change on public health.
- Climate change affects food and drink production, aggravating issues like crop failure, droughts, and water shortages.
- Families can foster personal growth and skills development through learning and education at home.
- Wealth management and personal finance skills are vital for managing resources effectively, allowing families to save for emergencies or invest in their future.
- Home and garden maintenance is another aspect of lifestyle that can contribute to overall well-being.
- Cooking can be a creative outlet, and adopting healthy-cooking practices is essential for maintaining good health.
- In terms of sports, football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and racing are some popular European and global leagues, with each sport offering unique benefits for physical and mental wellness, and even providing opportunities for sports betting.
