The July 2021 heatwave in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada shattered temperature records, led to hundreds of excess deaths and scientists found it would have been virtually impossible without climate change. The latest IPCC AR6 report makes it clear that extreme heat is affecting all land areas and it’s here to stay, regardless of emission reductions, and will get markedly worse without reductions. The urban heat island effect only amplifies these realities in cities where the most vulnerable people also experience highly differential impacts. And yet, heat remains an “under-the-radar” hazard that does not get the same level of attention or funding as other, more eye-catchingly deadly, hazards like floods or typhoons.

This session will bring together health and climate researchers with practitioners to discuss adaptation options for key risks at the interface of climate and health.

Tackling climate change impacts on health requires solid knowledge and evidence-based and equity-oriented solutions in both adaptation and mitigation. We showcase findings of key recent research projects on heat impacts on health; present the EU knowledge-sharing platform - the European Climate and Health Observatory; and discuss sharing knowledge with EU’s neighbours and across policy fields.

The year 2020 was one of the three warmest on record. This year, we must also brace ourselves for a long, hot summer as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the problems caused by prolonged periods of heat. Join this webinar organised jointly by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) Secretariat.