{"content_id":"r9xesblnpt","slug":"heatwaves-public-health-europe-france-heat-stress","locale":"en","schema_type":"Report","category":"report","category_name":"Report","title":"Heat Waves Are No Longer Just “Weather”—They’re a Public Health Crisis: Reading About Rising Deaths in Europe and Global Heat Stress Research","summary":"The July 2026 warning from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the estimates of excess deaths in France demonstrate that heat waves are not merely a phenomenon of high temperatures, but a health crisis that simultaneously exerts pressure on mortality rates, the workforce, healthcare systems, and urban inequalities. By considering heat stress indicators—such as the heat index and UTCI—alongside simple temperature readings, we can more accurately design early warning systems, cooling centers, adjustments to working hours, and policies to protect vulnerable populations.","key_points":["Heat waves are a public health risk that simultaneously leads to an increase in deaths, the worsening of chronic diseases, a decline in labor productivity, and a strain on the healthcare system.","Excess deaths are a key indicator that captures the impact of heat waves more broadly than the direct cause listed on a death certificate.","Heat stress indices such as UTCI take into account not only temperature but also humidity, wind, and radiant heat, making them useful for policy decisions.","Estimates of excess deaths from the June 2026 heat wave in France highlight the importance of early warnings and policies to protect vulnerable populations.","As heat wave seasons become more frequent and prolonged, insurance, working hours, school operations, and urban planning must be redesigned with climate adaptation in mind."],"content_markdown":"## Why Heat Waves Should Be Viewed as a Public Health Crisis, Not Just “Weather”\n\nHeat waves no longer simply represent a summer inconvenience or a temporary weather anomaly. High temperatures exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, as well as heatstroke, dehydration, and sleep disorders, and disproportionately affect the elderly, infants and young children, outdoor workers, low-income individuals, the homeless, and people with chronic conditions. In cities, the “heat island” effect—where concrete and asphalt trap heat—means that even at the same temperature, the level of risk varies significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.\n\nOn July 7, 2026, the WHO Regional Office for Europe warned that the region could face more deadly heatwave weeks. In France, it was reported that an estimated 2,025 excess deaths were linked to the heatwave period from June 22 to 28, 2026, though it was also noted that the data was still incomplete. During the same period, JAMA and the ECMWF highlighted a growing body of research indicating that global heat stress is intensifying.\n\nWhen read together, these data make the key point clear: Responding to heat waves is not a matter of “what will the temperature be tomorrow?” but rather a public health policy issue that asks, “Who, where, under what conditions, and to what extent are people exposed to dangerous heat stress?”\n\n## Summary of Key Concepts\n\n| Concept | Meaning | Why It Matters |\n|---|---|---|\n| Heat Wave | A phenomenon where temperatures above a certain threshold persist for a period of time | Serves as the starting point for issuing alerts and implementing responses in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings. |\n| Heat Stress | A state in which the human body experiences physiological strain due to an inability to dissipate heat | The level of risk varies depending on humidity, wind, sunlight, and activity level, even at the same temperature. |\n| Feels-Like Temperature | An indicator designed to reflect the heat or cold actually felt by a person | It may be more effective than simple temperature alone in explaining health risks. |\n| UTCI | Universal Thermal Climate Index. An indicator that quantifies the heat load on the human body by considering temperature, humidity, wind, and radiant heat | Well-suited for comparing heat risks across cities and regions and for designing early warning systems. |\n| Excess Mortality | An estimate of how much the actual number of deaths during a specific period exceeds the expected number of deaths | It broadly captures the direct and indirect effects of heat waves on mortality. |\n\n## What Do Excess Deaths Tell Us?\n\nThe impact of heat waves is often underestimated if assessed solely based on cases where “heatstroke” is listed on death certificates. This is because high temperatures can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, increasing the risk of death through various pathways, such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory deterioration, and kidney problems.\n\nExcess deaths help address this limitation. For example, if the actual number of deaths in a state is significantly higher than the expected number of deaths for the same period in the past, that difference can be analyzed as the impact of specific events such as heat waves, infectious diseases, or disasters. Of course, the following precautions must be taken when estimating excess deaths:\n\n- **Data Delays**: It takes time to register deaths and determine their causes.\n- **Baseline Selection**: Estimates may vary depending on how “normal annual death rates” are calculated.\n- **Concurrent Factors**: Infectious diseases, air pollution, and social events may have acted in combination.\n- **Spatial Variations**: National averages may mask the impact on vulnerable areas within cities.\n\nTherefore, when initial figures are released—such as the estimates of excess deaths from the June 2026 heatwave in France—it is essential to verify not only the numbers themselves but also whether “the data is complete,” “what time period and regions were used as the basis,” and “whether there is an analysis by vulnerable groups.”\n\n## Why Heat Stress Indicators Are More Important Than Simple Temperature Readings\n\nA temperature of 35 degrees alone is not sufficient to fully explain the risk to human health. Even at the same 35 degrees, high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, making it difficult to regulate body temperature, and a lack of wind reduces heat dissipation. The level of risk also differs between someone working on a paved road under direct sunlight and someone in a shaded indoor space.\n\n### Why UTCI Is Useful for Policy-Making\n\nUTCI does not rely solely on air temperature but provides a more comprehensive representation of the actual heat load experienced by the human body. Therefore, it is better suited for addressing the following policy questions:\n\n1. **Which areas pose the highest risk?** \n Even within the same city, risks vary depending on factors such as a lack of green space, a high concentration of high-rise buildings, traffic volume, and residential environments.\n\n2. **At what times of day should outdoor activities be restricted?** \n By considering not only midday temperatures but also radiant heat and wind conditions, adjustments to work, sports, and school activities can be made more precisely.\n\n3. **Can warning thresholds be tailored to health risks?** \n A simple maximum temperature threshold may overlook risks in coastal cities with high humidity or in large cities with high nighttime minimum temperatures.\n\n4. **Is it possible to make comparisons across countries?** \n Global research requires consistent indicators that allow for the comparison of heat stress levels even when regional climates differ.\n\n## Key Takeaways from Warnings in France and from the WHO Regional Office for Europe\n\nFrance’s estimates of excess deaths and the warnings from the WHO Regional Office for Europe demonstrate that it is no longer accurate to view Europe as “relatively safe from heatwaves because it has a temperate climate.” In particular, Europe has a high proportion of elderly residents, and some housing, healthcare, and urban infrastructure may not be designed to withstand prolonged high temperatures.\n\n### Three Key Policy Questions\n\n| Question | Required Data | Policy Response |\n|---|---|---|\n| Who is most at risk? | Age, health conditions, income, housing type, living alone, occupation | Checking on the elderly, in-home care visits, cooling support for vulnerable households |\n| Where is the greatest risk? | Urban heat island maps, green space coverage, access to cooling, emergency response data | Deployment of cooling centers, shade structures, water distribution, urban greening |\n| When should intervention occur? | Temperature, humidity, UTCI, nighttime low temperatures, trends in deaths and emergency room visits | Early warnings, adjustments to working hours, changes to school schedules |\n\n## The Role of Early Warnings, Cooling Centers, and Urban Greening\n\nResponding to heat waves cannot be solved by a single policy. It requires a combination of early warning systems, healthcare, social welfare, labor policies, and urban planning.\n\n### 1. Early Warning\n\nThe effectiveness of early warnings is limited if they merely announce a “heat wave advisory.” Effective warnings must include the following information:\n\n- Forecasted maximum and minimum nighttime temperatures\n- Humidity and heat index or UTCI\n- High-risk time periods\n- Action guidelines for vulnerable groups\n- Response levels for medical institutions, local governments, and care facilities\n- Operational changes regarding public transportation, schools, and outdoor work\n\nIn particular, when nighttime lows remain high, the body has less time to recover, which can increase the risk of death. Therefore, tropical nights—when temperatures do not drop even at night—should be treated as a public health warning sign.\n\n### 2. Cooling Centers\n\nCooling centers can serve as life-saving infrastructure for residents without air conditioning, elderly people living alone, homeless individuals, and outdoor workers. However, location and operating hours are critical to their effectiveness.\n\n- They must be easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.\n- Consideration should be given to whether they remain open at night.\n- Factors such as allowing pets, accessibility for people with disabilities, and water and electricity supplies must be taken into account.\n- Multilingual information, text alerts, and in-person guidance are necessary to ensure residents are actually aware of these facilities and can use them.\n\n### 3. Urban Greening and Heat Island Mitigation\n\nUrban greening is not a short-term emergency measure, but rather a structural adaptation policy that reduces heat risks in the long term. Tree shade, parks, permeable paving, cool roofs, light-colored paving materials, and the creation of wind corridors help reduce heat loads on the ground surface and in pedestrian environments.\n\nHowever, equity is crucial in greening policies. To maximize public health benefits, investment should prioritize areas where the urban heat island effect and vulnerable populations overlap, rather than affluent areas that already have ample green space.\n\n## Policy Changes as Heat Wave Seasons Lengthen\n\nAs heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere begin earlier and last longer, social systems must adapt. This is no longer merely a climate issue but a matter of operational risk.\n\n### Working Hours and Occupational Safety\n\nWorkers in outdoor construction, agriculture, logistics, delivery, road maintenance, ports, military training, and sports are directly exposed to heat stress. The necessary adjustments are as follows:\n\n- Suspending work during high-risk hours or switching to shift work\n- Mandating shade, water, and rest breaks\n- Safety training for new and migrant workers\n- A reporting system for heat-related illness symptoms\n- Regulations allowing for evacuation and rest without loss of wages\n\n### School Operations\n\nSchools are linked not only to student health but also to school meals, commuting, and after-school care. If heat waves persist, the following standards are necessary:\n\n- Classroom air-conditioning standards and power supply stability\n- Guidelines for restricting outdoor physical education activities\n- Adjustment of school arrival and dismissal times\n- Rescheduling of exams and events\n- Preventing gaps in care for vulnerable students\n\n### Insurance and Finance\n\nHeat waves are a risk that traditional disaster insurance struggles to cover. This is because they result in a complex array of consequences—such as deaths, illnesses, reduced productivity, surges in electricity demand, and crop damage—rather than visible damage like structural damage to buildings. In the future, discussions regarding insurance and finance may intensify in the following areas:\n\n- Business interruption losses due to heat waves\n- Health impacts on workers and recognition of work-related injuries\n- Production losses in agriculture and livestock farming\n- Power grid overloads and the risk of blackouts\n- Investment costs for public cooling infrastructure\n\n## Items Needed When Expanding into Data Journalism\n\nTo cover heat waves as data content, datasets that illustrate health risks are needed rather than simple rankings of maximum temperatures.\n\n### Data That Can Be Collected by City\n\n| Data Item | Description | Usage |\n|---|---|---|\n| Heat Wave Warning Criteria | Warning and alert criteria used by each city or country | Comparison of warning sensitivity |\n| Maximum and Minimum Temperatures | Basic data on daytime and nighttime heat load | Assessment of tropical nights and recovery potential |\n| Humidity, Wind, and Radiant Heat | Factors that increase or decrease perceived risk | Calculation of UTCI or perceived temperature |\n| Excess Mortality Estimates | Estimates of increased deaths during heat waves | Assessment of health impacts |\n| Emergency Room Visits and Ambulance Dispatches | Highly real-time indicators related to heat-related illnesses | Strengthening early response |\n| Locations of Cooling Centers | Accessible Shelter Infrastructure | Identifying Gaps in Vulnerable Areas |\n| Urban Green Space and Heat Island Maps | Differences in Thermal Environments by Neighborhood | Setting Priorities for Long-Term Adaptation Investments |\n| Distribution of Vulnerable Populations | Elderly, Households Living Alone, Low-Income Households, Outdoor Workers, etc. | Designing Tailored Protection Policies |\n\n## Checklist for Reading Data\n\nWhen reading reports on heat waves or comparing policy documents, it is helpful to check the following:\n\n1. **Did the report present only air temperatures, or did it also include heat stress indicators?**\n2. **Does the report distinguish between deaths directly caused by heat-related illnesses and estimates of excess deaths?**\n3. **Does the report specify whether the data are preliminary or final figures?**\n4. **Does the report include an analysis of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income households?**\n5. **Did the analysis consider not only daytime highs but also nighttime lows?**\n6. **Did the analysis evaluate actual behavioral changes and policy implementation following the issuance of heat warnings?**\n7. **Does the analysis highlight regional disparities within the city?**\n\n## Conclusion\n\nHeat waves are a public health crisis that goes beyond the mere sensation of “heat” to impact mortality, disease, labor, education, insurance, and urban planning. Warnings from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, estimates of excess deaths in France, and global heat stress studies all point in the same direction. Future heat wave responses must shift from a focus on temperature forecasts to heat stress-based health risk management.\n\nThe goal of policy is not simply to alert the public to heat waves, but to connect protection to those most at risk as quickly as possible. To achieve this, indicators such as the UTCI, excess mortality analyses, city-level vulnerability data, and information on access to cooling must be made publicly available and comparable.","content_html":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#why-heat-waves-should-be-viewed-as-a-public-health-crisis-not-just-weather\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-heat-waves-should-be-viewed-as-a-public-health-crisis-not-just-weather\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Heat Waves Should Be Viewed as a Public Health Crisis, Not Just “Weather”\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeat waves no longer simply represent a summer inconvenience or a temporary weather anomaly. High temperatures exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, as well as heatstroke, dehydration, and sleep disorders, and disproportionately affect the elderly, infants and young children, outdoor workers, low-income individuals, the homeless, and people with chronic conditions. In cities, the “heat island” effect—where concrete and asphalt trap heat—means that even at the same temperature, the level of risk varies significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn July 7, 2026, the WHO Regional Office for Europe warned that the region could face more deadly heatwave weeks. In France, it was reported that an estimated 2,025 excess deaths were linked to the heatwave period from June 22 to 28, 2026, though it was also noted that the data was still incomplete. During the same period, JAMA and the ECMWF highlighted a growing body of research indicating that global heat stress is intensifying.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen read together, these data make the key point clear: Responding to heat waves is not a matter of “what will the temperature be tomorrow?” but rather a public health policy issue that asks, “Who, where, under what conditions, and to what extent are people exposed to dangerous heat stress?”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#summary-of-key-concepts\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"summary-of-key-concepts\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSummary of Key Concepts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eConcept\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMeaning\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhy It Matters\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat Wave\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA phenomenon where temperatures above a certain threshold persist for a period of time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eServes as the starting point for issuing alerts and implementing responses in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat Stress\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA state in which the human body experiences physiological strain due to an inability to dissipate heat\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe level of risk varies depending on humidity, wind, sunlight, and activity level, even at the same temperature.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeels-Like Temperature\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn indicator designed to reflect the heat or cold actually felt by a person\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIt may be more effective than simple temperature alone in explaining health risks.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUTCI\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUniversal Thermal Climate Index. An indicator that quantifies the heat load on the human body by considering temperature, humidity, wind, and radiant heat\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWell-suited for comparing heat risks across cities and regions and for designing early warning systems.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExcess Mortality\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn estimate of how much the actual number of deaths during a specific period exceeds the expected number of deaths\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIt broadly captures the direct and indirect effects of heat waves on mortality.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#what-do-excess-deaths-tell-us\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-do-excess-deaths-tell-us\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat Do Excess Deaths Tell Us?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact of heat waves is often underestimated if assessed solely based on cases where “heatstroke” is listed on death certificates. This is because high temperatures can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, increasing the risk of death through various pathways, such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory deterioration, and kidney problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcess deaths help address this limitation. For example, if the actual number of deaths in a state is significantly higher than the expected number of deaths for the same period in the past, that difference can be analyzed as the impact of specific events such as heat waves, infectious diseases, or disasters. Of course, the following precautions must be taken when estimating excess deaths:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Delays\u003c/strong\u003e: It takes time to register deaths and determine their causes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaseline Selection\u003c/strong\u003e: Estimates may vary depending on how “normal annual death rates” are calculated.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcurrent Factors\u003c/strong\u003e: Infectious diseases, air pollution, and social events may have acted in combination.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpatial Variations\u003c/strong\u003e: National averages may mask the impact on vulnerable areas within cities.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, when initial figures are released—such as the estimates of excess deaths from the June 2026 heatwave in France—it is essential to verify not only the numbers themselves but also whether “the data is complete,” “what time period and regions were used as the basis,” and “whether there is an analysis by vulnerable groups.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#why-heat-stress-indicators-are-more-important-than-simple-temperature-readings\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-heat-stress-indicators-are-more-important-than-simple-temperature-readings\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Heat Stress Indicators Are More Important Than Simple Temperature Readings\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA temperature of 35 degrees alone is not sufficient to fully explain the risk to human health. Even at the same 35 degrees, high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, making it difficult to regulate body temperature, and a lack of wind reduces heat dissipation. The level of risk also differs between someone working on a paved road under direct sunlight and someone in a shaded indoor space.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#why-utci-is-useful-for-policy-making\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-utci-is-useful-for-policy-making\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy UTCI Is Useful for Policy-Making\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUTCI does not rely solely on air temperature but provides a more comprehensive representation of the actual heat load experienced by the human body. Therefore, it is better suited for addressing the following policy questions:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich areas pose the highest risk?\u003c/strong\u003e\nEven within the same city, risks vary depending on factors such as a lack of green space, a high concentration of high-rise buildings, traffic volume, and residential environments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt what times of day should outdoor activities be restricted?\u003c/strong\u003e\nBy considering not only midday temperatures but also radiant heat and wind conditions, adjustments to work, sports, and school activities can be made more precisely.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan warning thresholds be tailored to health risks?\u003c/strong\u003e\nA simple maximum temperature threshold may overlook risks in coastal cities with high humidity or in large cities with high nighttime minimum temperatures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it possible to make comparisons across countries?\u003c/strong\u003e\nGlobal research requires consistent indicators that allow for the comparison of heat stress levels even when regional climates differ.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#key-takeaways-from-warnings-in-france-and-from-the-who-regional-office-for-europe\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"key-takeaways-from-warnings-in-france-and-from-the-who-regional-office-for-europe\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eKey Takeaways from Warnings in France and from the WHO Regional Office for Europe\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrance’s estimates of excess deaths and the warnings from the WHO Regional Office for Europe demonstrate that it is no longer accurate to view Europe as “relatively safe from heatwaves because it has a temperate climate.” In particular, Europe has a high proportion of elderly residents, and some housing, healthcare, and urban infrastructure may not be designed to withstand prolonged high temperatures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#three-key-policy-questions\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"three-key-policy-questions\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThree Key Policy Questions\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuestion\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRequired Data\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePolicy Response\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWho is most at risk?\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge, health conditions, income, housing type, living alone, occupation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChecking on the elderly, in-home care visits, cooling support for vulnerable households\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhere is the greatest risk?\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUrban heat island maps, green space coverage, access to cooling, emergency response data\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeployment of cooling centers, shade structures, water distribution, urban greening\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhen should intervention occur?\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature, humidity, UTCI, nighttime low temperatures, trends in deaths and emergency room visits\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEarly warnings, adjustments to working hours, changes to school schedules\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#the-role-of-early-warnings-cooling-centers-and-urban-greening\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-role-of-early-warnings-cooling-centers-and-urban-greening\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Role of Early Warnings, Cooling Centers, and Urban Greening\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResponding to heat waves cannot be solved by a single policy. It requires a combination of early warning systems, healthcare, social welfare, labor policies, and urban planning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#1-early-warning\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"1-early-warning\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e1. Early Warning\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe effectiveness of early warnings is limited if they merely announce a “heat wave advisory.” Effective warnings must include the following information:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForecasted maximum and minimum nighttime temperatures\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumidity and heat index or UTCI\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-risk time periods\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAction guidelines for vulnerable groups\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponse levels for medical institutions, local governments, and care facilities\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperational changes regarding public transportation, schools, and outdoor work\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn particular, when nighttime lows remain high, the body has less time to recover, which can increase the risk of death. Therefore, tropical nights—when temperatures do not drop even at night—should be treated as a public health warning sign.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#2-cooling-centers\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"2-cooling-centers\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e2. Cooling Centers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCooling centers can serve as life-saving infrastructure for residents without air conditioning, elderly people living alone, homeless individuals, and outdoor workers. However, location and operating hours are critical to their effectiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey must be easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsideration should be given to whether they remain open at night.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactors such as allowing pets, accessibility for people with disabilities, and water and electricity supplies must be taken into account.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultilingual information, text alerts, and in-person guidance are necessary to ensure residents are actually aware of these facilities and can use them.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#3-urban-greening-and-heat-island-mitigation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"3-urban-greening-and-heat-island-mitigation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e3. Urban Greening and Heat Island Mitigation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban greening is not a short-term emergency measure, but rather a structural adaptation policy that reduces heat risks in the long term. Tree shade, parks, permeable paving, cool roofs, light-colored paving materials, and the creation of wind corridors help reduce heat loads on the ground surface and in pedestrian environments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, equity is crucial in greening policies. To maximize public health benefits, investment should prioritize areas where the urban heat island effect and vulnerable populations overlap, rather than affluent areas that already have ample green space.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#policy-changes-as-heat-wave-seasons-lengthen\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"policy-changes-as-heat-wave-seasons-lengthen\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePolicy Changes as Heat Wave Seasons Lengthen\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs heat waves in the Northern Hemisphere begin earlier and last longer, social systems must adapt. This is no longer merely a climate issue but a matter of operational risk.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#working-hours-and-occupational-safety\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"working-hours-and-occupational-safety\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWorking Hours and Occupational Safety\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkers in outdoor construction, agriculture, logistics, delivery, road maintenance, ports, military training, and sports are directly exposed to heat stress. The necessary adjustments are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuspending work during high-risk hours or switching to shift work\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMandating shade, water, and rest breaks\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSafety training for new and migrant workers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA reporting system for heat-related illness symptoms\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegulations allowing for evacuation and rest without loss of wages\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#school-operations\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"school-operations\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSchool Operations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchools are linked not only to student health but also to school meals, commuting, and after-school care. If heat waves persist, the following standards are necessary:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassroom air-conditioning standards and power supply stability\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidelines for restricting outdoor physical education activities\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustment of school arrival and dismissal times\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRescheduling of exams and events\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreventing gaps in care for vulnerable students\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#insurance-and-finance\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"insurance-and-finance\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eInsurance and Finance\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeat waves are a risk that traditional disaster insurance struggles to cover. This is because they result in a complex array of consequences—such as deaths, illnesses, reduced productivity, surges in electricity demand, and crop damage—rather than visible damage like structural damage to buildings. In the future, discussions regarding insurance and finance may intensify in the following areas:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBusiness interruption losses due to heat waves\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealth impacts on workers and recognition of work-related injuries\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduction losses in agriculture and livestock farming\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower grid overloads and the risk of blackouts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvestment costs for public cooling infrastructure\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#items-needed-when-expanding-into-data-journalism\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"items-needed-when-expanding-into-data-journalism\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eItems Needed When Expanding into Data Journalism\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cover heat waves as data content, datasets that illustrate health risks are needed rather than simple rankings of maximum temperatures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#data-that-can-be-collected-by-city\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"data-that-can-be-collected-by-city\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eData That Can Be Collected by City\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eData Item\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDescription\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUsage\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat Wave Warning Criteria\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarning and alert criteria used by each city or country\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComparison of warning sensitivity\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum and Minimum Temperatures\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasic data on daytime and nighttime heat load\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAssessment of tropical nights and recovery potential\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity, Wind, and Radiant Heat\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFactors that increase or decrease perceived risk\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalculation of UTCI or perceived temperature\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExcess Mortality Estimates\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstimates of increased deaths during heat waves\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAssessment of health impacts\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEmergency Room Visits and Ambulance Dispatches\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighly real-time indicators related to heat-related illnesses\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrengthening early response\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLocations of Cooling Centers\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAccessible Shelter Infrastructure\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIdentifying Gaps in Vulnerable Areas\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUrban Green Space and Heat Island Maps\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifferences in Thermal Environments by Neighborhood\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSetting Priorities for Long-Term Adaptation Investments\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistribution of Vulnerable Populations\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElderly, Households Living Alone, Low-Income Households, Outdoor Workers, etc.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigning Tailored Protection Policies\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#checklist-for-reading-data\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"checklist-for-reading-data\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eChecklist for Reading Data\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen reading reports on heat waves or comparing policy documents, it is helpful to check the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid the report present only air temperatures, or did it also include heat stress indicators?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the report distinguish between deaths directly caused by heat-related illnesses and estimates of excess deaths?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the report specify whether the data are preliminary or final figures?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the report include an analysis of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income households?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid the analysis consider not only daytime highs but also nighttime lows?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid the analysis evaluate actual behavioral changes and policy implementation following the issuance of heat warnings?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the analysis highlight regional disparities within the city?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#conclusion\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"conclusion\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeat waves are a public health crisis that goes beyond the mere sensation of “heat” to impact mortality, disease, labor, education, insurance, and urban planning. Warnings from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, estimates of excess deaths in France, and global heat stress studies all point in the same direction. Future heat wave responses must shift from a focus on temperature forecasts to heat stress-based health risk management.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal of policy is not simply to alert the public to heat waves, but to connect protection to those most at risk as quickly as possible. To achieve this, indicators such as the UTCI, excess mortality analyses, city-level vulnerability data, and information on access to cooling must be made publicly available and comparable.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Heat Wave","Public health","Climate crisis","Heat stress","Excess mortality"],"faqs":[{"question":"Why Are Heat Waves a Public Health Crisis?","answer":"Heat waves can exacerbate not only heatstroke but also cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, as well as dehydration and sleep deprivation, thereby increasing mortality and the demand for medical care. Since the impact is concentrated among the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income individuals, both public health and social protection policies are needed."},{"question":"What is excess mortality?","answer":"Excess deaths are an estimate of how much the actual number of deaths during a specific period exceeds the number of deaths that would normally be expected. They are useful for broadly assessing health impacts—such as those caused by heat waves—that are not recorded as direct causes of death."},{"question":"How does UTCI differ from the general temperature?","answer":"UTCI is a heat stress index that takes into account not only temperature but also conditions that affect the human body’s heat load, such as humidity, wind, and solar radiation. Therefore, it may be more suitable than simply the maximum temperature for assessing actual health risks and the risks associated with outdoor activities."},{"question":"How Should We Interpret France’s Data on Excess Deaths from the 2026 Heat Wave?","answer":"According to reports, an estimate of 2,025 excess deaths was released in France in connection with the heat wave that occurred from June 22 to 28, 2026, though it was also noted that the data is incomplete. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the figures themselves but also the reporting period, the baseline, the completeness of the data, and whether analyses were conducted by vulnerable groups."},{"question":"Why Isn't the Highest Temperature Alone Enough for a Heat Wave Warning?","answer":"Even at the same maximum temperature, the risk to human health varies depending on humidity, wind, shade, radiant heat, and the nighttime low temperature. In particular, if humidity is high and temperatures do not drop at night, the body has difficulty recovering, which can increase the risk."},{"question":"Under what conditions is a cooling center effective?","answer":"Cooling centers are effective only if they are easily accessible, have sufficient operating hours, and if vulnerable populations are actually aware of their locations and how to use them. Factors such as accessibility for people with disabilities, nighttime hours, water availability, and whether pets are allowed can also affect usage rates."},{"question":"Why is urban greening important for coping with heat waves?","answer":"Urban greening and heat island mitigation policies—such as tree shade, parks, permeable paving, and cool roofs—help improve the pedestrian environment and reduce heat loads on the ground surface. In particular, prioritizing investment in areas where a lack of green space coincides with a high concentration of vulnerable populations can yield significant health benefits."},{"question":"How can a heat wave affect working hours?","answer":"Outdoor construction, agriculture, logistics, delivery, and road maintenance all carry a high risk of heat-related illnesses during heat waves. It may be necessary to suspend work during high-risk hours, provide rest breaks, water, and shade, adjust shift schedules, and establish a heat-related illness reporting system."},{"question":"How should schools respond to heat waves?","answer":"Schools must take into account classroom air conditioning, restrictions on outdoor physical education, adjustments to school start and end times, changes to event and exam schedules, and care for vulnerable students. Since simply closing schools can create a gap in childcare, region-specific measures are needed."},{"question":"What is the most important factor to consider when comparing heat wave data?","answer":"We must consider maximum and minimum temperatures, humidity, the UTCI (Urban Thermal Comfort Index) or perceived temperature, excess deaths, emergency room visits, access to cooling centers, urban green spaces, and the distribution of vulnerable populations. Only then can we compare actual health risks, rather than simply ranking cities by heat."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/07-07-2026-statement---extreme-heat--more-deadly-weeks-may-still-lie-ahead-for-the-european-region","title":"WHO Regional Office for Europe Statement on Extreme Heat","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2026/07/03/france-records-2-025-excess-deaths-from-heatwave-but-data-remains-incomplete_6755118_114.html","title":"Le Monde: France Reports 2,025 Excess Deaths Due to Heat Wave, but Data Remains Incomplete","type":"source"},{"url":"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2851468","title":"JAMA article on global heat stress research","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.ecmwf.int/en/about/media-centre/2026/global-heat-stress-intensifies","title":"ECMWF: Global heat stress intensifies","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":86,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ODMzLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--adb08dc14fb91b72e4e81d393cf22cc6ba5d7d47/ai-89103804.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_image","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"폭염 속 도시 거리, 냉방 쉼터와 병원 앞 구급차","caption":"강한 햇볕 아래 시민들이 냉방 쉼터와 의료 지원에 의존하고 있다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"City street in a heatwave with a cooling center, hospital, and ambulance","caption":"Under extreme heat, residents seek cooling and medical care across the city.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"猛暑の街路、涼み所と病院前の救急車","caption":"強い日差しの下、市民が涼み所や医療支援を利用している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Calle urbana bajo ola de calor con refugio fresco, hospital y ambulancia","caption":"Bajo un calor extremo, la población busca refugio fresco y atención médica.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Jalan kota saat gelombang panas dengan ruang pendingin, rumah sakit, dan ambulans","caption":"Di tengah panas ekstrem, warga mencari tempat sejuk dan bantuan medis.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Rua urbana sob onda de calor com centro de resfriamento, hospital e ambulância","caption":"Sob calor extremo, moradores buscam abrigo fresco e atendimento médico.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"熱浪中的城市街道，設有避暑中心、醫院與救護車","caption":"在強烈高溫下，市民尋求降溫空間與醫療協助。","description":null}}},{"id":87,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6ODM5LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--59d6d96459658b8d7ce90c3f5f32da34abaf8b1b/ai-82a2e4cc.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_image","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"유럽 폭염 지도와 열스트레스 요인, 사람, 대응책을 연결한 보건 인포그래픽","caption":"유럽의 고온 분포와 열스트레스 위험, 냉방·그늘·수분 공급 같은 대응책을 함께 보여준다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Health infographic linking a Europe heat map, heat-stress factors, a person, and adaptation measures","caption":"The graphic shows European heat exposure alongside heat-stress drivers and practical public health responses.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"欧州の暑熱マップ、熱ストレス要因、人物、対策を結ぶ保健インフォグラフィック","caption":"欧州の高温分布と熱ストレスの要因、冷房や日陰、水分補給などの対策を示している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Infografía de salud con mapa de calor de Europa, factores de estrés térmico y medidas de adaptación","caption":"El gráfico muestra la exposición al calor en Europa y respuestas como sombra, agua, vegetación y enfriamiento.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Infografik kesehatan yang menghubungkan peta panas Eropa, faktor stres panas, manusia, dan adaptasi","caption":"Grafik ini menunjukkan paparan panas di Eropa serta respons seperti pendinginan, naungan, air, dan ruang hijau.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Infográfico de saúde com mapa de calor da Europa, fatores de estresse térmico e medidas de adaptação","caption":"O gráfico mostra a exposição ao calor na Europa e respostas como sombra, água, áreas verdes e resfriamento.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"連結歐洲熱浪地圖、熱壓力因素、人體與調適措施的健康資訊圖","caption":"圖中呈現歐洲高溫暴露、熱壓力來源，以及降溫、遮蔭、補水與綠化等應對措施。","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-07-08T16:24:21+09:00","updated_at":"2026-07-08T16:24:21+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/heatwaves-public-health-europe-france-heat-stress"}