Mobilising health communities to act on climate and health
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
Wildfire smoke is harming public health at multiple levels: it spikes asthma and heart issues within hours, increases emergency visits, and poses long-term risks for pregnant women and cognitive health. Studies link smoke exposure to higher stroke rates, dementia risk, and preterm births. Experts urge stronger fire-prevention measures as fires grow more frequent with warming temperatures.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.