Europe's Heat Plans Neglected Young Children—a Gap Now Fatal

Four toddlers died in France during June's 40.9°C heatwave. The deaths expose a critical flaw: European heat protocols, refined after 2003's 70,000-death crisis, prioritized elderly populations. Young children face distinct risks—their bodies regulate temperature poorly, have high surface-area ratios, and depend entirely on caregivers. France's Plan Canicule focused on senior cooling centres. Paediatric safeguards have lagged as extreme heat now tests these frameworks regularly.