A new report published in The Lancet Public Health finds that rising temperatures are increasingly affecting public health across Europe, with heat-related impacts growing significantly in recent decades.
According to the 2026 Europe Lancet Countdown, nearly all monitored European regions have experienced an increase in heat-related health risks compared with historical baselines. The report highlights that heat exposure is rising across the continent, driven by increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events.
The study shows that the number of days during which populations are exposed to extreme heat has risen steadily. This trend is particularly concerning because prolonged exposure to high temperatures is associated with a range of health risks, including cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
The report notes that “heat-related mortality has increased in Europe”, reflecting both the intensity and frequency of extreme heat events. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, are especially at risk, as they are more sensitive to sustained high temperatures.
In addition to mortality, the report points to broader health system pressures. Increasing heat exposure can strain healthcare services, especially during peak summer periods when hospitals may already be under pressure.
The findings also underline the uneven distribution of impacts across the continent. Southern European regions, which are already warmer, face higher exposure levels and therefore greater risks from additional temperature increases.
The report emphasizes that adaptation measures are critical to reducing health risks. These include improved heat warning systems, urban planning strategies to reduce heat exposure, and targeted protection for vulnerable groups.
While the report does not provide country-specific analysis for every European nation, its findings are directly relevant to Mediterranean countries, where heat exposure is among the highest in Europe, and the report concludes that addressing heat-related health risks will be a central challenge for policymakers and public health systems across the region.
