# As Europe's heatwaves get more dangerous, here are four ways we can protect ourselves and others

> As Europe's heatwaves get more dangerous, here are four ways we can protect ourselves and others. A environment report — sourced from Guardian Environment.

*Section: Environment — By Elena Marsh (Environment & Climate Correspondent) — Published July 16, 2026 — 2 min read*

Canonical URL: https://dailyjunction.org/environment/as-europe-s-heatwaves-get-more-dangerous-here-are-four-ways-we-can-protect-ourselves-and-others
Tags: environment, europe, get, guardian, heatwaves, more, us politics

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As Europe braces for another summer of potentially record-breaking temperatures, public health authorities are urging people to treat extreme heat with the same seriousness they would give to other natural hazards. Heat already kills more Europeans than any other weather-related event, and the numbers are rising.

Here are four evidence-backed ways to stay safer when temperatures climb.

First, cool the person, not just the room. The body's most effective cooling mechanism is evaporating sweat, and anything that helps that process — a damp cloth on the neck and wrists, a cool shower, a foot bath — works faster than waiting for the air temperature to drop. Fans become less effective above 35°C because they simply push hot air around; at that point, wetting the skin is essential.

Second, pay attention to the night. Mortality risk rises sharply when night-time temperatures stay above 20°C, because the body loses its recovery window. Opening windows on opposite sides of the home creates cross-ventilation, and moving the mattress to the coolest room — often downstairs — can make a material difference. In cities, where the urban heat island effect traps warmth after dark, even a few hours of cooler air in the early morning can help.

Third, check on people who may not check on themselves. Older adults, very young children and people with chronic conditions are disproportionately affected by heat. A phone call, a visit, or offering to pick up shopping so someone does not have to go out in the midday sun can prevent a crisis. During the 2022 European heatwave, which caused over 60,000 excess deaths, isolation was a major contributing factor.

Fourth, plan around the heat rather than fighting it. Shift strenuous activity to early morning or late evening. If your workplace or school lacks air conditioning, advocate for flexible hours during heat warnings. Public cooling centres, green spaces with shade and air-conditioned libraries are underused resources that can make a difficult day manageable.

Climate change means these events will become more frequent and more intense. Adaptation is no longer optional — it is the difference between a dangerous summer and a survivable one.

## Sources

- [Guardian Environment](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/09/as-europes-heatwaves-get-more-dangerous-here-are-four-ways-we-can-all-help-cut-the-risk)

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Daily Junction — https://dailyjunction.org/environment/as-europe-s-heatwaves-get-more-dangerous-here-are-four-ways-we-can-protect-ourselves-and-others