Heatwaves in France: nearly 5,400 deaths a year and inequalities in heat exposure

By euronews

Published on

18/06/2026 - 9:37 GMT+2

As Europe is bracing for a record heatwave for the month of June, with temperatures in some regions expected to approach 40°C, two studies reported by France Info highlight the health consequences of heatwaves in France.

According to an Oxfam study on the impact of climate change on health, heat is thought to be responsible for around 5,400 deaths a year in the country. The NGO warns of a genuine "public health emergency" that is still not being properly taken into account by the public authorities.

Recalling that the effects of heat go far beyond dehydration among older people, Oxfam notes that the risk of death from heart attack rises by 7% during heatwave episodes, with mortality twice as high among women on the hottest days. When these episodes last for more than a week, the risk of acute kidney failure increases by 70%.

Disadvantaged neighbourhoods particularly exposed

Oxfam also reveals that global warming is exacerbating inequalities. The most deprived areas are said to be more affected, with excess mortality estimated at 31% compared with the wealthiest areas in the summer of 2025. Conversely, residents of the 20% most affluent urban neighbourhoods are up to ten times less exposed to the risks associated with extreme heat.

The Housing Foundation shares this finding in its study on summer energy poverty. Revealing that around two thirds (66%) of French people say they struggle to cope with the heat in their homes and that 40% of homes are not "fully equipped with shutters, which are essential to prevent overheating", the report also points out that working-class neighbourhoods are the most affected.

In these neighbourhoods, residents often face several compounding vulnerability factors. They are exposed to very dense urban planning, with "materials that exacerbate the heat", and "a lack of green spaces".

In addition, they often live in "boiling-hot homes", are on average "in poorer health" and may have "jobs that are more exposed to heat".

Authorities urged to better protect the population

In light of these findings, the two organisations are calling on the public authorities to speed up the thermal renovation of housing.

The Housing Foundation is calling for the "Zero boiling-hot homes" bill, supported by more than 150 MPs, to be placed on the parliamentary agenda, and is proposing the launch of a national programme to equip homes with shutters and fans by 2040.

The organisation is also calling for the Green Fund dedicated to climate adaptation of public spaces to be strengthened, and for the creation of "extreme heat" schemes, modelled on winter plans, to better protect the most vulnerable people, particularly those who are homeless.