---
title: Big Oil must foot the bill for urgent heat protection as Europe swelters
date: 2026-07-13T13:19:11Z
modified: 2026-07-13T13:19:11Z
permalink: "https://350.org/press-release/big-oil-must-foot-the-bill-for-urgent-heat-protection-as-europe-swelters/"
type: press-release
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 175531453
author: kimbryan
---

With more than 10,000 [excess deaths](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/europe-recorded-10000-excess-deaths-during-late-june-heatwave-data-show-2026-07-12/) recorded across Europe during record-breaking heatwaves last June and deadly wildfires still raging in France and Spain, [350.org](http://350.org) said that European governments must act quickly to protect lives and force fossil fuel companies to foot the bill.

Climate campaigners urged European governments to take urgent measures to protect the public – especially vulnerable populations – from heatwave impacts, such as upgrading hospitals, care facilities, schools and universities and providing emergency support for farmers.

Last week, France’s High Council on Climate also [warned](https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20260710-france-must-speed-up-climate-action-as-watchdog-warns-current-efforts-fall-short) that the country’s infrastructure, cities and public services were built for “a climate that no longer exists,” and that current adaptation policy is insufficient to protect people.

In response, [350.org](http://350.org) campaigners called on European governments to massively invest in adaptation, while accelerating the shift to affordable renewable energy to reduce emissions and lower bills, as [350.org](http://350.org) [analysis](https://350.org/press-release/climate-fuelled-heatwave-adds-e700m-to-electricity-bills-in-france-and-germany/?r=PH&c=AS) shows that the heatwaves drive up households’ energy spending. Adaptation measures, however, must be borne by fossil fuel companies through stronger and permanent taxes on oil and gas profits – not taxpayers already burdened with high energy bills and other extreme heat impacts.


**Fanny Petitbon,** [**350.org**](http://350.org) **France Country Manager said:**

_“This heatwave isn’t just about lack of preparedness, it’s gross negligence. Scientists have sounded the alarm long ago, but governments chose to keep burning fossil fuels. We’ve been saying for decades that climate inaction is deadly – and now it has a body count of more than 10,000 in Europe in June alone. It’s never too late to protect people. Investing in adaptation now can save thousands more from harm in the months and years to come._

_We don’t need endless debates in parliament nor austerity measures that slash the funds meant for climate action, we need decision-makers to wake up and act now. The scale of action needed and who must foot the bill is clear. Europe’s heatwaves are sponsored by fossil fuel companies. The industry must pay both for the destruction and urgent measures like better thermal insulation of social housing, schools and hospitals, greening of public spaces, and heat warning systems for outdoor workers.”_

**ENDS**

![](https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/images.webp)