Over 57 million children in Western Europe face record heatwaves

A newly published report by the NGO “Save the Children” highlights the alarming extent of minors’ exposure to extreme temperatures on the European continent this year.

According to the findings, 57 million children, representing 63% of the total minor population in the Western European region, have suffered the consequences of extreme heat in the first six months of 2026. This is the largest number documented in the last 20 years.

The case of the United Kingdom is particularly illustrative: more than 10 million minors have been hit by heatwaves in just the first half of the year, a figure that surpasses the records of any full year recorded since 1995.

The children themselves have told the organization how high temperatures are disrupting their daily routine, making their sleep irregular, decreasing their appetite, and negatively impacting their emotional well-being and social relationships.

The organization “Save the Children” draws attention to the fact that children are among the most vulnerable categories to the effects of climate change and prolonged periods of dangerous heat.