Charged Affairs

By Nsikakabasi George | Rising Expert on Global Health | December 9, 2023 | Photo Credit: istock

Europe experienced heatwaves in the summer of 2023, with temperatures soaring well above average. They swept across Europe, resulting in adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. In some parts of the continent, temperatures reached 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) or higher. The southern part of Europe, encompassing Spain to the Balkans, experienced the highest recorded temperatures, with an average of 25.6°C (78°F). 

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of heatwaves in Europe. Global climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has resulted in rising temperatures, making heat waves more frequent and severe. They are further exacerbated by the heat island effect, a phenomenon where concrete and asphalt surfaces trap and re-emit heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas. This phenomenon has been observed in cities such as London and Paris, with nighttime temperatures higher than those obtained in nearby areas. The heatwaves of summer 2023 had numerous consequences for Europe, such as the outbreak of wildfires in several countries, including Spain, Switzerland (Swiss Alps), and Greece (Rhodes, Kouvaras). Greece was affected by power outages due to the high demand for electricity for air conditioners, which resulted in disruptions of transportation and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. In 2022, an estimated 62,000 people died from the European heatwaves. 

As the Earth’s atmosphere warms, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. This is a major threat to human health and safety. Individuals and communities need to take steps to adapt to the changing climate and convey the urgency of developing strategies to mitigate their harmful effects.

What measures can be taken to cool down a boiling Europe?

European policymakers must accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable practices across industries. Promoting sustainable transportation options like cycling and public transport can reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-driven vehicles. The prioritization of urban planning with green infrastructure in cities, including parks, green roofs, and tree-lined streets, can counteract the urban heat island effect. Vertical gardening in cities is one such design, a sustainable and innovative approach to maximize green spaces in urban environments involving the growing of plants vertically on walls, facades, or other structures. 

In many cities, including Frankfurt, urban planners and environmental experts work to incorporate green spaces, parks, and open areas within the city layout to facilitate the movement of air and reduce the impact of pollution. Ventilation corridors, or “Luftschneisen” in Germany, are an excellent innovation for reducing surface temperature and heat island effects. These are designated areas where the flow of air is maintained to ensure proper ventilation and air quality. These measures aim to create a balance between urban development and environmental sustainability. Cities outside of Europe also experience heat waves and have had to adapt. Sponge city infrastructure implemented in Zhuhai, China, is a phenomenal innovation that involves the conversion of impermeable surfaces, such as roads and pavements – which trap and re-emit heat – into permeable surfaces capable of absorbing, infiltrating, purifying, and retaining water, which can then be released for various purposes. The sponge city has so far been successful in reducing urban heat.

Secondly, redesigning infrastructure to withstand extreme heat is crucial. Implementing heat-resistant materials and cooling technologies in buildings and roads can mitigate the effects of heat waves on urban environments. The Al Bahar Towers in the deserts of  Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, are engineered with an innovative design that deflects heat from the sun and ensures a reduced surface temperature. Similar to its inspirational model, the ancient skywells of China provided a natural cooling of houses. Skywells were commonly incorporated into the courtyard of residential buildings, with openings to ensure that interior rooms received sufficient natural light and ventilation. Balconies have also, throughout history, been utilized for providing spaces for cooling and enhancing natural ventilation, contributing to a more comfortable environment. Well-positioned windows are the quickest and easiest way to keep the heat out. They facilitate natural ventilation by strategically capturing prevailing breezes, which help to cool indoor spaces. More so, cross-ventilation can also be achieved where windows are positioned on opposite sides of a building.

Third, developing robust early warning systems can help authorities anticipate and respond to impending heat waves. This can be accomplished by installing sensors for buildings, which help monitor and mitigate excessive heat within buildings and fine-tune air conditioning and ventilation. Timely alerts can prompt the implementation of heat emergency plans, enabling vulnerable communities to take the necessary precautions.

Fourth, governments can provide health tips and educate the public about the dangers of heat waves and the importance of adaptive behaviors. They can encourage individuals to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. More so, given the differential impact of heat waves on various population groups, proactive monitoring of the elderly is advisable.

The bottom-line

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. Combating this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing urban planning, redesigning infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and educating the public. By prioritizing prevention and mitigation strategies, countries can better prepare for future heat waves, safeguard lives, and build resilience to climate change. Through collective efforts at the individual, community, and governmental levels, we can work towards a more sustainable and heat-resilient future for Europe.

Nsikakabasi George (he/him) is YPFP’s 2023 Rising Expert for Global Health. He is a Public Health Practitioner with over 4 years cross-cutting experience across Health Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Health Financing, and Global Public Health, working with local and international organizations which targets sustainable development. You can find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.