Scorching temperatures and wildfires plague Europe, causing distress.
In the sweltering summer of 2025, Europe is grappling with a historic heatwave, with countries like France, Italy, Greece, and Germany experiencing soaring temperatures and wildfire outbreaks. Authorities across these nations are implementing a series of measures aimed at public health protection, wildfire prevention, and urban heat reduction.
Heatwave alerts and public advisories are being issued by national weather and civil protection agencies. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children are being advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak heat, especially in areas under red alert, like Milan and Rome in Italy.
To combat the Urban Heat Island effect, some cities are promoting measures such as increasing green spaces, improving building materials, and raising public awareness to mitigate local heat intensity and related health impacts. Air quality monitoring and guidance are also being intensified, with residents advised to stay indoors during smoke events, use air purifiers if available, and reduce strenuous outdoor activities.
Firefighting teams are adapting tactics to heightened wildfire risks caused by extreme heat, dryness, and volatile winds. Operational readiness and resource allocation are being prioritized to prevent and contain fires rapidly. In Greece, the Greek government has requested EU assistance for firefighting on Tuesday.
The current situation in German hospitals is not cool, despite the high demand due to the hot weather. Most hospitals in Germany do not have air conditioning or effective cooling systems, and the heat is often alleviated with simple and less effective measures like shading or fans. The German Hospital Association is advocating for the implementation of climate-proof measures in hospitals and has called for a multi-year investment program worth 31 billion euros to climate-proof hospitals, making them more resilient to extreme heat.
The swimming pool season in Berlin has started late due to safety measures. Meanwhile, in France, Météo-France reported new peak temperatures of up to 42 degrees in five communities. These extreme temperatures have led to issues in various sectors, including healthcare.
These countries are part of broader EU efforts emphasizing early warning systems, public information campaigns, and operational coordination between meteorological and civil protection services to manage the impacts of this heatwave and associated wildfires. The measures implemented by each nation may vary, but the general approach observed across these affected European countries is one of preparedness and proactive action amidst the extreme summer temperatures and wildfire conditions this year.
- In an effort to promote health and wellness in the face of climate change, the German Hospital Association is advocating for a multi-year investment program worth 31 billion euros to climate-proof hospitals, making them more resilient to extreme heat.
- As part of the broader EU efforts, scientific research in environmental science is being focused on finding sustainable solutions to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, such as increasing green spaces and improving building materials, to combat the impact of climate change on public health.
