12/06/2026
The World Health Organization has published the second edition of its Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance, the key reference for authorities preparing for extreme heat across the WHO European Region.
The EEA contributed the chapter on reducing heat exposure, covering immediate and longer-term prevention measures at household, building and urban scales — from shading, insulation and ventilation to green roofs and urban cooling interventions.
🌡️ According to the WHO, heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives across the EU and associated countries over the past four years. Many of these deaths are preventable through timely warnings, targeted support for those most at risk, and cities and buildings designed to keep people cool.
The updated guidance sets out eight core elements for heat–health action plans, with new operational tools including action briefs for priority sectors and a ready-to-use public health message bank.
It complements the EEA's work on climate resilience and adaptation, including the climate resilience package published yesterday by the EEA.
🔗 Read the guidance: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289062930
🔗 Read more about EEA's work on climate resilience and adaptation: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/extreme-weather-and-uneven-climate-adaptation-challenge-europes-resilience
