Weather Events Research Articles

The Palamas Archaeological Project 2023. A preliminary report of the Greek–Swedish collaboration in the municipality of Palamas, region of Karditsa, Thessaly

The 2023 fieldwork in the area of Palamas, Thessaly, was severely hampered by catastrophic weather events affecting the area. In spite of this, the project managed to conduct excavations, surface and architectural surveys, as well as geophysical prospection at a number of sites in the region. The work continues to highlight the chronological breadth of archaeological remains in the area, as well as further details regarding little-known periods of Thessalian history.

Impacts of changing weather patterns on the dynamics of water pollutants in agricultural catchments: Insights from 11-year high temporal resolution data analysis

Widespread and long-term shifts in weather patterns are contributing to further degradation of surface water quality. This challenge caused by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events requires appropriate adaptation of current mitigation strategies. But to confirm the need to redesign such strategies, an understanding of the impacts of increasing weather extremes on pollutant losses in different catchment types is required. With this in view, this study investigated the impact of changing weather patterns on the inter-seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of nutrient losses in six agricultural catchments in Ireland over 11 years. The high temporal resolution data (10-min) from these intensively managed catchments represented different characteristics and management practices. Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis and Generalised Additive Models were used to study nutrient concentration trends, and to investigate the significance of water discharge, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture deficit, air temperature, and soil temperature on the losses of nutrients, respectively. The analysis of historical data revealed changes in the trends of daily average nitrate (NO3-N), phosphorus (P), and suspended sediment (SS) concentrations in association with significant increasing trends in air temperature, soil temperature, and precipitation across the same month over 11 years of monitoring. While discharge was significantly contributing to the concentrations of NO3-N, P, and SS across different catchments, air and soil temperature were significantly correlated to NO3-N losses, and precipitation was the major contributor to regulating P (total P and total reactive P) concentrations. In short, air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture deficit, and precipitation were the main climatic drivers regulating the nutrient concentrations while the soil chemistry and drainage status were the non-climatically related drivers. The results revealed that the extent of the impact of climatic drivers depends on catchment characteristics. Therefore, expanding the application of this type of study would facilitate better understanding of current and future challenges to water management and provision of climate-resilient mitigation strategies for different catchment typologies.

The impact of long-term organic horticultural systems on energy outputs and carbon storages in relation to extreme rainfall events

Enhancing resilience of agroecosystems of Mediterranean area is a challenge that involves both researchers and different stakeholders and, in this context, increasing crop diversity by redesigning agricultural systems can be considered among the most important tools. Therefore, the response of agroecological practices to climate change effects was tested in a long-term experiment on organic horticultural crops (MITIORG), which is characterized by a soil hydraulic arrangement in ridges, strips and the use (with different management options) of cover crops within cash crops rotations. The main objective of this study was to show how powerful is the sustainability assessment of agroecological practices by converting crops yield and biomass into energy outputs and carbon storages, in diversified horticultural systems. The obtained outputs (expressed in energy and carbon equivalents) were evaluated and analyzed considering the site-specific meteorological data in more than 10 horticultural cropping cycles, from autumn-winter 2014-15 to autumn-winter 2020-21. The Ridge and Strips (RS) system 1 (RS1 - cover crops as living mulch on ridges and break crops in strips, both with no-till termination) showed an enhancement of about 18% of energy output and carbon (C) storages compared to RS2 (ridges and strips with green manured cover) when extreme precipitation events occurred. Moreover, RS3 (ridges and strips without cover crops) recorded a reduction of about 5 and 9% of energy output and C storage, respectively, compared to the mean of RS1 and RS2 in periods with extreme events. Our results highlighted that using more diversified agroecological systems improved their overall average outputs, ensuring greater resilience during extreme weather events, since at least part of crop productions was safeguarded. Therefore, it is important to combine techniques that allow long-term resilience, such as choosing and well managing cover crops (agroecological service crops), according to site and systems specific conditions.

Linking patterns of forest dieback to triggering climatic and weather events: an overview on Mediterranean forests

Linking patterns of forest dieback to triggering climatic and weather events: an overview on Mediterranean forests

Stability Assessment of Weirs Reinforced with Sheet Piles

Extreme weather events induced by climate change are increasing across the world. In particular, floods resulting from unpredictable heavy rains cause significant damage to property and human life. In Korea, river and underwater structure management is performed continuously in accordance with strict regulations. However, to prepare for unprecedented downpours, the structures of river reservoirs must be reinforced and their stability must be evaluated. This study focuses on the stability evaluation of piping, which represents the main cause of weir collapse. To this end, sheet piles are applied to weirs to evaluate the effects of changes in their length and location on their seepage discharge, seepage velocity, and maximum hydraulic gradient. Additionally, piping stability evaluation of weirs is conducted using sheet piles by evaluating the critical velocity. The results derived in this study are expected to be highly beneficial for reinforcing weirs currently in operation as well as for the design, construction, and operation of future underwater structures.

The Geography of Inequality: Socio-Spatial Segregation and Climate Vulnerability in Brazilian Urban Peripheries

This article elaborates on the relationship between socio-spatial segregation and climate vulnerability in urban peripheries, pointing out how the structural inequalities of cities are further deepened by climate change processes. The paper critically engages with the core question: How does urban planning, and its public policies fall short of protecting marginalized populations while prioritizing more central and valued areas? This research rests on a critical review of literature, referring to the theories of Henri Lefebvre, David Harvey, Flavio Villaça, Roberto Lobato Corrêa, Milton Santos, and Mike Davis. Their theories on the unequal production of urban space and the exclusion of poor populations are crucial for understanding data on the effects of climate change on Brazilian urban peripheries. The adopted methodology explores intersections between spatial segregation and climatic vulnerability, highlighting how the neoliberal model of urbanization deepens the exposure of peripheries to environmental risks. The research establishes the urgency of rethinking urban policies as the intensity of extreme weather events increases, suggesting fair solutions to promote climate justice. The study's findings indicate that the current configuration of urban space not only intensifies the marginalization of peripheries but also amplifies their vulnerability to climate crises. This underscores the need for urban planning that fairly redistributes investments and resources, prioritizing the most vulnerable areas and promoting socio-spatial inclusion.

Geospatial tools and data for health service delivery: opportunities and challenges across the disaster management cycle.

As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, the health system faces significant challenges, not only from shifting patterns of climate-sensitive diseases but also from disruptions to healthcare infrastructure, supply chains and the physical systems essential for delivering care. This necessitates the strategic use of geospatial tools to guide the delivery of healthcare services and make evidence-informed priorities, especially in contexts with scarce human and financial resources. In this article, we highlight several published papers that have been used throughout the phases of the disaster management cycle in relation to health service delivery. We complement the findings from these publications with a rapid scoping review to present the body of knowledge for using spatial methods for health service delivery in the context of disasters. The main aim of this article is to demonstrate the benefits and discuss the challenges associated with the use of geospatial methods throughout the disaster management cycle. Our scoping review identified 48 articles employing geospatial techniques in the disaster management cycle. Most of them focused on geospatial tools employed for preparedness, anticipatory action and mitigation, particularly for targeted health service delivery. We note that while geospatial data analytics are effectively deployed throughout the different phases of disaster management, important challenges remain, such as ensuring timely availability of geospatial data during disasters, developing standardized and structured data formats, securing pre-disaster data for disaster preparedness, addressing gaps in health incidence data, reducing underreporting of cases and overcoming limitations in spatial and temporal coverage and granularity. Overall, existing and novel geospatial methods can bridge specific evidence gaps in all phases of the disaster management cycle. Improvement and 'operationalization' of these methods can provide opportunities for more evidence-informed decision making in responding to health crises during climate change.

English and Regional Media Coverage of the 2022 Heatwave in India

ABSTRACT The 2022 heatwave in India formed part of a pattern of extreme weather events in the country, which are becoming more intense, frequent, or prolonged. The aim of this study is to explore media coverage of climate change and extreme events in a multilingual media context such as India. Data analysis of a large and diverse sample of Indian media coverage of the 2022 heatwave (n = 309) suggests that only 1 in every 7 news articles (14%) mentioned climate change in their heatwave coverage in the English press, and less than 10% in the Hindi, Telugu, and Marathi language news media. However, many English-language articles reported the links between climate change and the heatwave, although the figure was much lower for the other languages. Two Event Attribution studies analyzing the heatwave were widely quoted, albeit with some inaccuracies. Indian scientists were the most cited, whereas politicians and NGOs were largely absent, in contrast to previous research. Journalists regularly covered three aspects that affect the impact of the heatwave on ordinary people, namely emergency responses, disaster planning, and vulnerabilities. This study concludes by exploring theoretical and practical recommendations for media coverage of heatwaves and climate change.

Mathematical Modeling of Demand and Supply: Analyzing Corn Market Equilibrium

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future development trends of the corn industry, with a specific focus on its significance within China’s agricultural sector. As one of the country’s most important grain crops, corn plays a crucial role in various sectors including animal feed, human food, and as a key raw material in industrial applications. Over recent years, the corn market in China has witnessed substantial fluctuations in both supply and demand, driven by a combination of factors such as extreme weather events, shifts in trade policies, and other external influences. The Chinese government has responded to these challenges by implementing a range of measures aimed at bolstering the industry, including policy directives, financial incentives, and enhanced regulatory oversight. Additionally, the promotion of technological innovation has been identified as a critical component in improving efficiency and productivity within the sector. Looking forward, the corn industry is poised for more stable and sustainable growth, driven by deeper integration within the industry and increased international collaboration. These developments are expected to solidify the industry’s role not only within China but also in the global agricultural economy, ensuring its continued contribution to both national food security and economic development.

EUCALYPTUS TERRITORIALIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL

From a geographical view and through bibliographic and documentary research, mapping, and fieldwork, this study employed the SWOT matrix to analyze the eucalyptus environmental impacts on two study areas in these countries. We found that their physical aspects favor its growth, providing economic benefits. Extreme weather events have worsened the water deficit in the Brazilian Cerrado, leading to user conflicts. In northwestern mainland Portugal, wildfires have been more recurrent and severe, causing human and property losses and compromising the natural systems resilience.

6.F. Scientific session: Understanding the impact of climate change on health: the latest reports from EEA and NPHIs

Abstract Climate change poses a significant threat to human life and wellbeing worldwide. Extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms or floods can have adverse impacts on health, as can many other factors influenced by climate change, such as allergens, UV radiation and vector-borne diseases. In order to support the action needed to protect and promote health and wellbeing, many National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) aim to keep relevant stakeholders informed on the scientific evidence of the impacts of climate change on health. Reports that synthesise the evidence can help in the development of suitable and health-relevant climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. In this workshop, European Environment Agency assessments on climate and health are presented, including the European Climate Risk Assessment Report and recent outputs of the European Climate and Health Observatory. Next, three NPHIs introduce their recent national reports on the impact of climate change on health, sharing lessons learned and valuable insights into their content, process and reception, highlighting similarities and differences. The workshop will feature presentations by NPHIs from the United Kingdom (UK Health Security Agency), Germany (Robert Koch Institute), and the Netherlands (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) as well as the European Climate and Health Observatory. The perspective of the European Climate and Health Observatory offers Europe-wide insights as a provider of tools and knowledge that support actions from NPHIs and other health actors. Our aim is to highlight the value of such reports, and inform and inspire NPHIs and other stakeholders that may be considering the publication of similar reports. The format of the workshop will be informative and interactive, with opportunity for Q&A, discussion, and engagement with the audience. By showcasing the recent reports, the workshop aims to increase awareness of climate change as a public health issue and establish NPHIs as key climate actors. Furthermore, it aims to highlight the importance of having a national, up-to-date evidence base to drive climate measures and enhance resilience. Key messages • National evidence-based reports on climate change and health are a useful tool for informing health-relevant climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. • Through the public health functions of surveillance, monitoring, responding and evaluating, NPHIs play a crucial role in collating and assessing the evidence on the health effects of climate change.

How Banks are Impacted by and Mediate the Economic Consequences of Natural Disasters and Climate Shocks: A Review

AbstractNatural hazard shocks (such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, and climate shocks) have significant negative consequences for real economic activity. The banking sector can mitigate (or exacerbate) some of these consequences. This paper reviews the recent empirical literature on how banks are affected by such shocks, and how banks mediate the economic consequences to households and the real economy. After conceptualizing the theoretical transmission channels between the real economy and the banking sector, the review proceeds in two steps. First, it synthesises the existing literature on the direct effects of natural hazard shocks on bank stability, bank profitability, and credit supply. Then, the critical role of banking in economic recovery is analysed, including research on spillovers into unaffected regions through the banking system. Negative direct effects of natural hazard shocks on banks can be significant but are often transitory. Banking systems in less developed countries appear more vulnerable and are less able to maintain credit supply under adverse conditions. Banks that are better capitalised and that have incentives to support affected economies contribute to economic resilience. The review identifies several avenues for future research and highlights specific features and trade-offs relevant to policymakers interested in enabling the banking system to contribute to sustained economic development in the face of worsening physical climate risks.

Climate Change, Air Pollution, African Dust Impacts on Public Health and Sustainability in Europe

Abstract Climate change poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability and public health, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. Research on air pollution from African dust adversely associated with climate change highlights its significant role in trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory ailments. Smog, dust, acid rain, and ozone depletion also negatively impact ecosystems. The methods of the study also include the dynamics of climate change-induced air pollution. The implications for public health and environmental sustainability through GWR modeling and MODIS-NDVI analysis of controlling air pollution are crucial for reducing the climate crisis, safeguarding public health, and maintaining ecosystem sustainability. Results from particulate matter (PM 2.5-10), which consists of tiny particles with varying diameters, can enter the respiratory system through inhalation. This can lead to a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM 2.5-10). According to the relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the daily average value and must not exceed 50 μg/m3. While ozone in the stratosphere serves a protective function against ultraviolet radiation, excessive levels at ground level can be harmful and have been recorded in atmospheric samples ranging from 146.6 μg/m3 up to 702.3 μg/m3. impacting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Policy leaders, businesses, and individuals need to be proactive in reducing air pollution, adopting clean energy technology, and implementing stricter pollution rules. Stricter pollution rules, environmentally friendly transportation choices, and the adoption of clean energy technology. The sustainability of the ecosystem and public health are significantly impacted by climate change linked to air pollution. To solve these global problems and move toward a healthier, cleaner future for future generations, we must act now on climate justice. Key messages • Examine the impact of African dust air pollution on public health and its significant impacts from climate change, provide solutions to mitigate its effects on environmental sustainability in Europe. • Public health workers, Policymakers and stakeholders must prioritize reducing emissions and enforcing strict air quality laws to mitigate the negative impact of African dust on European populations.

Physiological and Genetic Aspects of Resistance to Abiotic Stresses in Capsicum Species

Abiotic stress is one of the key factors harming global agriculture today, seriously affecting the growth and yield of vegetables. Pepper is the most widely grown vegetable in the world, with both high nutritional and economic values. Currently, the increase in global extreme weather events has heightened the frequency of abiotic stresses, such as drought, high and low temperatures, waterlogging, and high salt levels, which impairs pepper growth and development, leading to its reduced yield and quality. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the responses of pepper to abiotic stress in recent years in terms of physiology, biochemistry, molecular level, and mitigation measures. We then explore the existing problems and propose future research directions. This work provides a reference for the cultivation and development of new pepper varieties resistant to abiotic stress.

Public health effectiveness of cooling centres in adverse hot weather events: a systematic review

Abstract Background The 2022 heatwave in England highlighted the need for effective public health interventions like cooling centres in temperate climates where built-in air conditioning is uncommon. Aim To determine the impacts of cooling centres on heat-related health outcomes for users in temperate climates, assessing their effectiveness and identifying barriers to usage. Methods This systematic review analysed literature sourced from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar from January 2010 to February 2023. Criteria for inclusion focused on studies evaluating health outcomes related to cooling centre use. Screening and quality assessments were independently conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results The review included six studies: three quantitative, three qualitative. Two were evidence synthesis of prior studies. No studies conclusively measured health and wellbeing outcomes directly after cooling centre use; instead, research emphasised user demographics, barriers, and facilitators. Common barriers included accessibility, operational hours, and public perceptions, which often misalign with user needs. Successful implementations were noted in centres integrated within community facilities like libraries or community centres. One modelling study suggested a number needed to treat to avoid one heat-related death of 1 million. The relevance of this is unclear as it was in a hotter climate with greater prevalence of air conditioning than in England. Conclusions While direct health benefits in cooler climates like England are poorly documented, cooling centres play an essential role in comprehensive heat response strategies. They offer potential social benefits and provide a cost-effective alternative to urban redesign. Future studies should aim to directly measure health outcomes and refine operational strategies to maximise benefits. Key messages • Cooling centres are crucial in comprehensive heat response strategies, yet direct evidence in cooler climates like England remains limited. • Integration with existing community services may significantly enhance cooling centre utilisation and effectiveness.

Climate-Resilient Horticulture: Adapting to Climate Change through Innovative Practices and Technologies

Climate change is a serious threat to horticulture as it will increase temperatures, cause unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events that will affect crop yields, quality, and overall agricultural sustainability. Climate-resilient horticulture uses cutting-edge technologies and equipment to overcome these obstacles. Developing crop varieties that are resistant to heat, drought, and salt is a key strategy to make plants more resilient to adverse conditions. To conserve water and guarantee a constant supply of moisture, advanced water management techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater collection are crucial. Climate adaptation is aided by soil management techniques that increase soil fertility and health, such as conservation tillage and organic amendments. Technological advancements such as precision horticulture enable farmers to optimize inputs and reduce waste, while controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, including greenhouses, hydroponics, allow cultivation of crops in regulated environments, reducing external climate impacts. Additionally, genetic engineering and biotechnology offer promising solutions to develop crops with increased climate resilience. Despite the potential of these innovations, challenges such as high costs, knowledge barriers, and policy constraints must be addressed for widespread adoption. This summary underscores the need to integrate these strategies to secure the future of horticulture in a changing climate, ultimately contributing to global food security and agricultural sustainability.

Public perceptions of the health impacts of climate change: a survey study in Greece

Abstract Background Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Despite the tremendous challenges, many people remain unaware of the human health implications of climate change. People perceptions about the health harms of climate change can increase public support for the action needed to reduce climate change. The aim of this study was to examine the public perception of climate change as a human health issue in Greece. Methods A population survey study was conducted from October to December 2023 in the municipalities of Messini and Alexandroupoli, Greece, following proportional quota sampling. A questionnaire was developed and included measures about the socio-demographic background of participants, their understanding of key facts about climate change and their views about climate change thread to human health. Results 406 individuals with a mean age 37.7 (sd = 14.8) participated in the study. Participants understood that climate change is happening (93.6%) and 54% of them think climate change is mostly or entirely caused by human activities, whereas 38% think it is caused equally by human activities and natural causes, and about 8% think climate change is mostly or entirely caused by natural causes. A majority of participants reported that climate change has adversely affected the health of people in various way, either a moderate amount or a great deal, including physical or mental harm from forest fires (90%), physical or mental harm from storms and floods (87%), heat-related illnesses (82%), illness due to reduced outdoor air quality (70%) and loss of housing for residents displaced by extreme weather events (70%). Conclusions Participants viewed climate change as an important cause of health harm, however they partially understood that climate change is caused by humans. Public health authorities should educate the public and policymakers about the climate change and advocate for policies to address the human health challenges of climate change. Key messages • Public health authorities should educate the public and policymakers about the climate change problem and its impact to human health. • Providing people with information about the health harms of climate change can increase public support for the actions needed to reduce emissions.

4.Y.1. Climate trauma, public protest and the ethics of civil disobedience in our warming world

Abstract Eco-anxiety, defined as “a chronic fear of environmental dooms,” is related to both a direct experience of extreme weather events (e.g., floods, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts) as well as environmental changes. Although it is not yet being addressed as a proper disease, eco-anxiety is being related to symptoms such as obsessive thoughts about the climate and the total destruction of the planet, existential fear and feelings of guilt about one’s own carbon footprint, anger, frustration, depression, and anxiety, among others. Eco-anxiety is increasingly reported among children and young people (Hickman et al, Lancet Planetary Health, 2021). Less studied and understood is climate trauma at a societal level resulting from the ever-present, ever-growing threat of climate change.This session aims to facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to this symptomatology as well as the reasons for our apparent collective paralysis as a society to act in accordance with the climate threats we face. This analysis will take into account aspects linked to cultural diversity and structural factors that can rationalise the inaction. Particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have introduced or strengthened laws restricting the right to protest, with implications for public protest about state inaction on climate change. The workshop also aims to address questions such as: Are public protest and civil disobedience rational responses to the climate crisis? Should health professionals protest publicly? How has eco-anxiety been used as a legal defence to criminal charges? How should professional accreditation bodies respond when a member is convicted in a climate protest? Is deregistration appropriate, or should we instead be hastening to revise professional codes of ethics and public health training curriculums to reflect ‘the single biggest threat facing humanity’? (WHO, 2021). In the United Kingdom, the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has urged the General Medical Council ‘to be as lenient as the law allows’ with health professionals convicted of offences resulting from their protests against damage to nature, the climate, and health. Three expert panellists in mental health, law and ethics will present their perspectives in Pecha Kucha format. Key messages • Climate trauma at societal level may account for our collective paralysis in the face of climate change: yet political, structural and cultural factors must not be overlooked. • Ethical codes and training curriculums for public health professionals must be updated to reflect the evolving roles of PHP in response to climate change. Speakers/Panelists Jutta Lindert Hochschule Emden-Leer, Emden, Germany David Patterson University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards Heath, UK

Climate change and emerging infections: Risks, adaptation and response

Abstract Background Weather and changing climate are key drivers of the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases globally. However, approaches to emerging infections and climate strategies are still largely being developed separately missing the opportunities for integrated climate adaptation actions to address infectious diseases. Description To inform the development of the UK national emerging infectious diseases plan, a literature review of the current and projected risks from extreme weather events and climate change on emerging infections in the UK is currently underway. This will support further work examining and co-designing adaptation options in the context of preparedness and response to emerging infections. Results Key preliminary findings from the literature review have indicated risks predominantly from evolving patterns of vector borne diseases as climatic conditions and habitat suitability of pathogens change. Changing temperatures and hotter summer temperatures have been associated with changing food-borne infection patterns. Further risks driven by extreme weather, including flooding and droughts, could perpetuate changes in water-borne infection patterns. Adaptation actions focussed on these infectious disease groups are currently under review and will cover risk assessment, data and surveillance, preparedness and response. Lessons This work integrates climate action with action on emerging infectious diseases. By examining the evidence on climate sensitive infections and co-designing solutions across teams, awareness is being raised and relationships and infrastructures built to better prepare and respond to both fundamental global public health challenges.

From Pandemic to Heatwave: Digital Strategies for Health Resilience

Abstract Heatwaves threaten public health in the EU, as evidenced by the high heat-related mortality in the summer of 2022. Despite their frequency, European heat-health action plans (HHAPs) largely exclude digital solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted perceptions and use of digital health tools, demonstrating their effectiveness in responding to health crises and providing insights for heatwave management. This work explores the potential of further including digital health interventions into European HHAPs. The objective is to identify adaptable digital strategies to mitigate heatwave health impacts. We started by analyzing WHO’s guidance on the creation of HHAPs, as well as the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies’ assessment of the four main areas supported by digital health tools during the pandemic. Later, we proposed four main areas where digital health solutions could be efficiently integrated. Each area underwent a rapid literature review to identify digital solutions used during COVID-19, followed by a critical analysis for applicability in heat-health action planning. We identified four areas where the implementation of digital tools should be explored: Communication and Information Dissemination (focusing on raising awareness among vulnerable groups, caregivers, and organizations); Modeling and Forecasting (developing precise forecasts for proactive planning); Health services coordination (among services delivering immediate care during heatwaves); Monitoring and Population Surveillance (implementing strategies to identify and mitigate heat-related risks e.g. among vulnerable populations). Results indicate that digital health solutions from COVID-19 can enhance national HHAPs. Tools for pandemic prevention and response are applicable to extreme weather events. The pandemic’s increased digital usage resulted from policy changes and infrastructure investment - leveraging these advancements could prepare Europe for extreme heat threats. Key messages • Results indicate that digital health solutions from COVID-19 can enhance national HHAPs. Tools for pandemic prevention and response are applicable to extreme weather events. • The pandemic’s increased digital usage resulted from policy changes and infrastructure investment - leveraging these advancements could prepare Europe for extreme heat threats.