World Must Learn to Live with Heatwaves: UN Warns

AFP/APP

Geneva: The world must learn to live with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, the UN’s weather agency warned Tuesday, as much of Europe sweltered under scorching summer temperatures.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) attributed the rising heat to human-induced climate change, noting that July is typically the hottest month in the northern hemisphere—but current conditions are unusually extreme for this early in the summer.

“Extreme heat is often called the silent killer,” said WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis, stressing that heat-related deaths are often underreported. “Every single death from heat is unnecessary. We have the knowledge and tools to save lives.”

A strong high-pressure system is currently trapping hot air from northern Africa over Western Europe, worsening the heatwave’s impact. Additionally, exceptionally high sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean are intensifying the heat over land, creating what Nullis called a “marine heatwave”.

Urban areas are facing even greater challenges due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and a lack of greenery amplify temperatures.

Nullis emphasized the importance of early warnings and coordinated action plans to protect public safety, saying meteorologists are improving in these areas. “As a result of human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense. It’s something we have to learn to live with,” she said. “The future will likely bring more of the same if not worse.”

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said its teams were mobilized across Europe to assist vulnerable groups. “Volunteers are distributing water and checking on homeless people, the elderly, and outdoor workers,” said IFRC spokesman Tommaso Della Longa. “Extreme heat doesn’t have to be a disaster—knowledge, preparedness, and early action make all the difference.”