The extreme heatwaves sweeping across Europe have raised fresh concerns over the world’s preparedness for a warming climate, with climate advocates warning that the impacts could be far more devastating in countries across the Global South, particularly Africa.
Patrick Kiarie, Africa Representative at We Don’t Have Time, said the extreme heat being experienced in Europe should serve as a warning of what a warming world could look like for African countries, many of which have fewer resources to respond to climate-related disasters.
He noted that while countries in the Global North generally have stronger economies, more reliable infrastructure, better healthcare systems and greater access to cooling, many African communities continue to face limited access to electricity, clean water, healthcare and climate-resilient infrastructure.
According to Kiarie, extreme heat therefore risks becoming a multiplier of existing inequalities, with serious consequences for public health, food security, livelihoods, education and economic productivity.
“This is why climate change must be seen not only as an environmental crisis, but as a crisis of inequality and climate justice,” Kiarie said, stressing that countries and communities that have contributed least to historical greenhouse gas emissions are often among those with the least capacity to adapt to climate impacts.
He warned that Africa cannot afford to wait until extreme heat reaches crisis levels before investing in measures that can protect vulnerable communities.
Kiarie called for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing investment in climate adaptation across African countries. He identified climate-resilient cities, effective early warning systems, water security, healthcare, clean energy and affordable access to cooling as key areas requiring greater attention.
He said the European heatwaves should not be viewed as a distant challenge affecting only the Global North, but rather as a wake-up call for governments and communities worldwide.
Meanwhile, Parvana Valiyeva, a Member of Parliament of Azerbaijan, said Europe needs stronger climate change mitigation and adaptation plans to reduce the impact of extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
Valiyeva said limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius should be accompanied by practical measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen communities’ ability to cope with its consequences.
She called for increased financial support for climate adaptation and mitigation programmes, alongside stronger policies aimed at addressing the growing risks posed by climate change.
Valiyeva also urged governments to provide immediate support to vulnerable groups, including older people, children, women, pregnant women and people living with illnesses, who can face heightened risks during extreme heat.
She said social protection programmes and other support measures could help communities cope with the immediate effects of heatwaves, while governments work on long-term climate solutions.
Both speakers stressed the need for governments to act now rather than wait for climate-related crises to intensify.
The warnings come as climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally.
For Africa, where many communities already face significant development and infrastructure challenges, rising temperatures could deepen existing inequalities unless urgent adaptation measures are implemented.
The growing heat threat underscores the need for stronger international cooperation, increased climate financing and policies that protect vulnerable populations while reducing emissions.
As Kiarie warned, Africa cannot afford to wait for the next heatwave to discover the cost of inaction.