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Environmental information systems
Nearly all deaths associated with high temperatures are preventable in the European context. Monitoring and surveillance of climate related threats coupled with heat health action plans and other local measures would be effective to reduce heat health impacts.
The EEA report on Climate change as a threat to health and well-being in Europe: focus on heat and infectious diseases looks at measures to reduce the health impacts of heat and infectious diseases in Europe. Reducing the health impacts of heat requires implementing a wide range of solutions, including early warning systems, effective heat health action plans, creating more green and shaded areas in cities, appropriate building design and construction, and adjusting working times and conditions so people are less exposed. Better preparedness of the health care sector and resilience of healthcare facilities to climate hazards would ensure that health systems have the capacity and knowledge to respond efficiently to increased demand for patient care or diagnostics.
The EU, while having limited competences in the health area, can support Member States by facilitating knowledge development and sharing through research programmes and specific initiatives such as the European Climate and Health Observatory or the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority. Furthermore, regulatory proposals such as those on serious cross-border threats to health can also strengthen the role of the EU in developing early warnings systems and addressing the threats associated with climate change.