The heatwave has caused the death of over 200,000 people in Europe in the last four years. The regional director, Hans Kluge, emphasizes that most of these deaths were preventable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, in the last four years, heatwaves have led to the deaths of over 200,000 people in Europe, warning that climate change is turning heatwaves into a recurring crisis. Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized that the majority of these deaths were "entirely avoidable." Alongside the number of victims, millions of people have been physically and mentally affected by extreme heat, considered the deadliest manifestation of climate change.

WHO has launched the second edition of the Heat and Health Action Plans Guide, which recommends a coordinated response to this crisis. Measures include expanding shaded areas, improving social services for the elderly, and protecting workers through breaks during extreme heat. The stated goal is zero deaths caused by heatwaves, in the context where rising global temperatures are causing more frequent and intense heatwaves.