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Climate change impacts have affected 4 out of 5 Europeans in the last 5 years, according to the 2026 joint report of EEA and Eurofound.
Heat – at home, at work, or outside - is one of the most significant direct climate-related health risks. Higher temperatures can increase heat-related illness and deaths, worsen cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and reduce labour productivity. Vulnerable groups, including older people, children, people with chronic illnesses and those living in urban areas affected by the heat island effect, are particularly at risk. The EEA briefing The impacts of heat on health: surveillance and preparedness in Europe highlights the importance of heat-health action plans and preparedness measures to reduce these impacts.
Climate change is also increasing risks from infectious diseases and changing environmental conditions. Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create more suitable conditions for diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and West Nile fever, while expanding the areas where disease-carrying species can survive. Rising air and water temperatures can also increase the risk of waterborne diseases. These risks are explored in the EEA report Climate change as a threat to health and well-being in Europe: focus on heat and infectious diseases and the report Responding to climate change impacts on human health in Europe: focus on floods, droughts and water quality’.
Climate change affects health through impacts on water, food and environmental quality. Floods, droughts and water stress can increase risks to human health, with around 12% of Europe’s population living in areas potentially prone to river floods and around 30% of people in southern Europe facing permanent water stress. Changing temperature and humidity conditions may also increase exposure to harmful toxins, including mycotoxins in crops and food. The EEA briefing Climate change impacts leading to increased exposure to harmful toxins explores these emerging risks.
Other impacts include longer pollen seasons, increased wildfire risks and smoke exposure, which can affect respiratory health. Both weather extremes and the concern about climate change affect our mental health.
Reducing climate-related health impacts requires stronger preparedness, improved monitoring, climate-resilient health systems, adaptation measures and continued action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
More information on how climate impacts health, and what are the solutions, can be found in the European Climate and Health Observatory.