Extreme heat has become an emergency.

Since May, Europe has sweltered under two major heat waves. Cities across the continent issued extreme heat warnings. Hundreds of schools in the UK closed. 

Most devastating of all is the human toll: In France, dozens have drowned seeking refuge in rivers. And in Spain, the most recent heat wave could be linked to at least 200 deaths over just a few days.

It’s not just Europe: the U.S., India and China are all bracing for high temperatures in the coming weeks.

WRI research projects that European cities will see longer and more dangerous heat waves if climate change continues unchecked.

Learn more from WRI experts, who unpack the risks of extreme heat, its impacts, and what it will take for cities to adapt to a warming world.

Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent. But how much worse could it get? WRI data reveals that at 3 degrees C (5.4 degrees F) of warming, European cities will face longer heat waves and three times as many heat-related deaths as they do today.

Extreme heat is no longer an unusual event. It is already reshaping the way we live, work and travel — sometimes in surprising ways. From discouraging public transport use and cycling to reducing incomes and straining city economies, experts reveal how heat is upending daily lives.

Almost 40% of urban heat-related deaths in Europe in 2015 could have been prevented with greater tree cover in cities. Trees can make spaces feel up to 14 degrees C (25.2 degrees F) cooler. WRI analysis finds many cities have huge potential to plant more.

The tools to cool cities down are often already in reach: painting roofs white, restoring waterways, and planting trees can all significantly lower temperatures.

Europe faces deadly heat waves, yet just 20% of its buildings have air conditioning. The continent faces a pressing dilemma: How to keep people cool without worsening the emissions causing temperatures to climb in the first place?