Facing extreme heat in Europe: Reviewing summer 2026 - Preparing for summer 2027

About

Extreme heat is becoming one of Europe’s most visible and deadly disaster risks, with impacts cutting across health, urban systems, infrastructure, labour, agriculture, energy, water, and social protection. Heat-related mortality in Europe remains alarmingly high, disproportionately affecting older persons, children, people with pre-existing health conditions, and other vulnerable populations who are often the least able to cope with prolonged periods of extreme temperatures. Bringing together national authorities, cities, regional actors, civil society organizations, and the private sector from across Europe, the session will provide a platform to exchange practical experiences, compare what is working, identify gaps, and explore how successful local approaches can be scaled nationally and regionally. It will also highlight the gap between adaptation planning and the urgent need for accelerated action to reduce immediate impacts, including avoidable mortality. The session will enable countries and cities to reflect on the 2026 summer heat season while lessons remain fresh, yet early enough to inform preparedness, planning, and investment ahead of summer 2027.