Global heatwaves pose health risks; cities implement cooling measures while facing infrastructure and policy challenges across Europe.
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Cities in Lithuania have installed water fountains to encourage public use of drinking water, while a biomedicine professor warns that heat is one of the most dangerous natural risks, leading to increased heart attacks, strokes, dehydration, and respiratory issues, especially among the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Despite this, recovery in Lithuania has been difficult as much of public transport lacks air conditioning, and home air conditioners are rare. Research shows Lithuanians prefer indoor AC but are deterred by cost and noise; furthermore, environmental regulations require consensus from all property owners before installing external units on building facades to protect architectural integrity and prevent disturbances. While the Ministry acknowledges the need for cooling due to climate change, it maintains that this alone is insufficient justification to override shared ownership requirements. In contrast, Germany and Czechia experienced extreme heatwaves with record temperatures, prompting police in Berlin to use water stations for people seeking relief, while the Czech government offered only general advice. France faces architectural challenges as many buildings designed for winter heating become heat traps in summer, leading to debates over retrofitting against strict heritage regulations. Croatia is providing free public cooling options, such as open swimming pools and air-conditioned cultural institutions, alongside 197 public drinking water fountains. Greece has long dealt with heat, but climate change intensifies the danger; while many use AC, high electricity costs limit usage, though Athens has implemented advanced classification systems and mandatory work stoppages during peak heat. Romania experienced severe heatwaves with temperatures near 45 degrees Celsius, leading to health emergencies and economic impacts, prompting the capital’s mayor to install public water fountains and special showers, although home cooling remains poor outside major cities.
