2024 has officially been confirmed as the hottest year on record, prompting a critical warning from the World Health Organization (WHO): the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it's a public health emergency. Rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and changing ecosystems are already affecting health worldwide, with Europe experiencing the most rapid warming.

Heat-Related Deaths on the Rise

Over the past two years, heatwaves have caused over 100,000 deaths across Europe alone, accounting for a third of global heat-related fatalities. WHO officials stress that these extreme temperatures, combined with pollution and ecosystem disruptions, are putting public health at serious risk.

“The climate crisis is a growing public health challenge,” said Katrín Jakobsdóttir, chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH).

Vulnerable Populations Hit Hardest

The most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and low-income communities—are suffering the most, facing increased risks of heatstroke, food insecurity, and infectious diseases.

“We must act now to reduce emissions and build resilience in our communities,” said Andrew Haines, WHO/Europe climate-health advisor.

What’s Being Done?

In response, WHO has launched the PECCH, a commission tasked with creating actionable solutions to protect public health. Recommendations will focus on reducing emissions, improving health adaptation strategies, and addressing inequality in climate impact.

The message is clear: climate change is already here, and it’s costing lives. Immediate action is essential to protect global health.