Beat the heat: child health amid heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia

Highlights

Half of all children living in 50 countries across Europe and Central Asia are exposed to frequent heatwaves – double the global average of 1 in 4 children. More than 92 million children are already exposed to frequent heatwaves in a region where temperatures are rising at a faster rate than in any other region worldwide. Heatwaves are set to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years as a result of accelerated global warming. 

This policy brief provides clear recommendations on how communities and governments can better protect our youngest citizens from the increasing and negative impacts of heatwaves and heat stress.