Croatia Ranks Fourth in Europe for Heat-Related Deaths Amid Climate Concerns

Croatia faces a significant public health challenge from extreme heat, ranking fourth in Europe for heat-related mortality. Sociologist Ivan Burić from the Faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb highlights that while older adults are most vulnerable, concern about climate change impacts is particularly pronounced among baby boomers, with 46% expressing worry.

Burić's analysis, based on the 2024 European Social Survey, indicates that Croatian citizens are among the most concerned nations in Europe regarding the consequences of climate change, across all age groups. This suggests a widespread awareness of the environmental crisis and its potential repercussions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed these concerns. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, recently warned after an emergency meeting that extreme heat events, which are expected to continue this summer, should be viewed not merely as meteorological phenomena but as a serious public health threat. This underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies and public health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with rising temperatures.

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Extreme heat that will continue this summer in Europe can no longer be viewed solely as a meteorological phenomenon, but primarily as a public health threat, especially for the most vulnerable groups, and that is people over 65 years of age.