Europe is experiencing its hottest year to date, and with it, the alarming increase in “tropical nights”—evening temperatures that refuse to drop below 20 °C. In 2024, southern destinations like Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey recorded a staggering 23 such nights, nearly triple the long-term average of eight—far exceeding the previous record of 16 in 2012 (Sky News).
Dr. Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts & Adaptation at the Wellcome Trust, warns that these sweltering conditions aren’t just uncomfortable—they jeopardize our health. “Deaths from heat stress are the most visible impact,” she explains, “but extreme heat also increases the risk of heart disease, pregnancy complications, and poor mental health.”
These persistent highs disrupt the body’s nightly recovery cycle, leading to fatigue, cardiovascular strain, and heightened vulnerability among populations like the elderly and pregnant individuals. Thomson’s research at Columbia University and her published work on ResearchGate emphasize that heat isn’t just a physical burden—it’s a multifaceted threat to public health.
Mitigation isn’t only about air conditioners—which are energy-intensive and often out of reach; it’s about urban adaptation. Thomson has highlighted community-centered solutions through her Crunchbase profile, noting that “simple changes, like adding green spaces and waterways, can help cool urban areas and protect public health.”