Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels is not only making the continent economically and politically vulnerable, it also has dramatic consequences for the population’s health. Growing air pollution, heat damage and the climate-related spread of infectious diseases are looming, warns the 2026 Europe Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, which its co-directors Prof. Dr Joacim Rocklöv (Heidelberg University) and Prof. Dr Cathryn Tonne (Barcelona Institute for Global Health) are about to present to the public. Together with other experts from academia, practice and policy they will discuss the report’s results during a public event at Heidelberg University, comparing the current findings with successful measures for climate action and health protection. The launch event with livestreaming is to take place on 22 April 2026.

Rapid ocean warming is likely to make tropical cyclone rainfall more intense and longer lasting, increasing flood risks in parts of the North Atlantic region.

A new IIASA-led study finds that expanding street green space can reduce urban heat stress in cities worldwide, but even ambitious greening efforts are unlikely to offset a significant share of the additional heat expected under climate change. Instead, the research shows that street greenery should be part of a broader portfolio of urban adaptation measures.