Why are we so unprepared for heatwaves?

The heatwaves of recent weeks are estimated to have claimed more than 14,000 lives in June alone. Those most affected are often the most vulnerable members of society, including older people and people experiencing homelessness. But outdoor workers are also at significant risk. Across Europe, health systems are struggling to cope with the growing number of heat-related patients, while air-conditioned hospitals remain scarce. Governments still have major work to do to prepare their countries for increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.