Extreme Heat and Health Services: Are We Ready for the Future?

During the first major heat wave of the summer of 2026, at least 1.300 excess deaths were reported in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Older adults, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with limited access to social support systems were among the groups most severely affected. According to experts, extreme heat not only increases the risk of heatstroke but also exacerbates cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, and other serious health problems.

As temperatures rose, hospitals and emergency departments experienced a significant increase in patient admissions. In several regions, healthcare facilities were required to implement additional measures to cope with growing demand, while nursing homes and social care institutions introduced new practices to protect vulnerable populations. These developments demonstrate that the effects of climate change are no longer confined to environmental concerns but are increasingly influencing the daily operation of healthcare services.

The World Health Organization has described recent heat waves across Europe as a warning sign of larger climate-related health crises that may become more frequent in the future. Experts emphasize that healthcare systems must be prepared not only to treat diseases but also to respond to emerging health risks associated with climate change. Early warning systems, emergency preparedness plans, climate-resilient healthcare facilities, and targeted strategies for protecting vulnerable populations are becoming critical priorities for health policymakers and administrators.

From a health management perspective, an important question emerges: How prepared are hospitals, healthcare institutions, and healthcare professionals for the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events? Recent experiences across Europe highlight the need to place climate resilience at the center of health policy, healthcare planning, and health management practices.

What Europe is experiencing today may offer valuable lessons for the healthcare systems of tomorrow. Climate change is no longer a future scenario; it is a present reality that is increasingly influencing how healthcare services are organized, delivered, and managed around the world.