Climate change impacts on health and food security in Europe are already affecting livelihoods, economic productivity and inequality, according to new findings from the 2026 Europe Lancet Countdown report.
The report highlights how rising temperatures are reducing working hours, increasing food insecurity and placing growing pressure on vulnerable populations across the continent.
Shouro Dasgupta, scientist at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) and contributing author to the report, emphasised the need for stronger protections and systemic responses to climate-related risks.
Climate change impacts on health and food security in Europe
Between 2000 and 2023, workers across Europe lost an average of approximately 24 working hours per year due to heat exposure, with the most significant effects seen in outdoor sectors such as agriculture and construction.
High temperatures are forcing slower working conditions, unplanned breaks and, in some cases, complete work stoppages. These disruptions contribute to reduced income, increased risk of injury and wider economic losses at a national level.
“The most urgent priorities are clear: Europe needs legally binding heat protections for workers, with early warnings directly linked to enforceable workplace safety standards,” said Dasgupta.
Food insecurity driven by climate-related price pressures
Climate change is also contributing to increased food insecurity, primarily through rising prices and reduced affordability rather than direct supply shortages.
The report estimates that more than one million additional people in Europe are affected by climate-related food insecurity. Heatwaves and drought conditions are reducing yields and quality, particularly for fruit and vegetables, pushing prices higher and limiting access to nutritious diets.
Low-income households are disproportionately affected, as they spend a larger share of their income on food and often have limited financial buffers to absorb price shocks.
“Heatwaves and droughts reduce yields and quality of fruits and vegetables, push up prices, and make it harder for households to maintain a healthy, diverse diet,” Dasgupta added.
Rising inequality and uneven climate exposure
The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed across Europe. Southern and south-eastern regions face higher levels of heat-related mortality and economic losses, while eastern Europe experiences significant exposure among older populations.
Socioeconomic disparities further amplify these risks. Low-income households face significantly higher vulnerability to food insecurity, while outdoor workers are exposed to both health risks and income instability.
Deprived communities are also more likely to experience environmental hazards such as heat extremes and wildfire smoke.
Policy response and long-term resilience
The findings underscore the need for coordinated policy responses, including strengthened social protection systems, improved workplace safety standards and accelerated emissions reductions.
Measures such as income support, food assistance and school meal programmes are identified as key tools to mitigate the impacts of climate-related shocks.
Ultimately, the report concludes that long-term resilience will depend on both adaptation strategies and sustained efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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