Why are heat waves more dangerous in Europe than in other parts of the world?

Arab Weather - Recent climate data has shown that summer heat waves in Europe are no longer an exceptional phenomenon, but rather a recurring reality that threatens the health of residents and infrastructure on an annual basis, with thousands of deaths recorded each year. According to multiple climate assessments, the causes are due to a combination of global climate change, unsuitable urban environments for heat, the lack of effective air conditioning systems, and the high proportion of elderly people within the population.

First: The weakness of climate equipment inside European buildings.

Most homes and buildings in Europe are built to withstand the cold of winter, not the heat of summer, and lack extensive air conditioning systems. The International Energy Agency estimates that only 19% of European homes have air conditioning, leaving a large segment of the population without effective protection during extremely hot days. Older, crowded buildings in major cities also make it difficult to install air conditioning. This causes indoor temperatures to rise, increasing the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, especially in densely populated cities like Paris and Madrid.

Second: The increase in the percentage of groups sensitive to heat waves.

European Union statistics indicate that more than 20% of the continent's population is over 65 years old, making them more vulnerable to heat waves. The elderly, along with those with chronic illnesses or health disabilities, lack the physiological capacity to adapt to rising temperatures. According to a World Health Organization report, extreme heat caused approximately 15,000 deaths in the summer of 2022 alone, most of them within this period.

Third: Climate changes increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Europe is also experiencing a rapid rise in temperatures due to global warming. Data from the European Copernicus Meteorological Service indicates that the summer of 2024 was the hottest since climate records began. The rate of heat increase in Europe is more than double the global average, leading to frequent heat waves lasting for several weeks. As atmospheric air currents shift, hot air masses remain over some regions for days, exacerbating the heat impact and increasing pollution and emissions. Researchers documented more than 61,000 deaths in the summer of 2022 due to heat waves, according to a study published in the journal Nature.