Factcheck: No, Europe’s heatwaves are not being ‘caused’ by declining air pollution
Scientists have debunked claims that Europe's recent heatwaves were caused by declining air pollution, clarifying that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver. The article addresses misinformation spread by political figures and media outlets attempting to link pollution reduction to climate skepticism.
Why it matters
It highlights the importance of scientific accuracy in climate reporting and the dangers of misinterpreting research to support political agendas.
This summer has seen Europe suffer through a series of record-breaking heatwaves.
Amid widespread media coverage of the number of deaths and the influence of climate change , the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported on new research with the incorrect headline: “Heatwaves caused by fall in pollution.”
The article was shared on social media by Richard Tice – deputy leader of the hard-right, climate-sceptic Reform UK party – along with a number of prominent rightwing commentators .
Tice claimed that “net stupid zero is contributing to rising temperatures, not helping”, adding that “we have been gaslit and lied to”.
GB News followed up with its own article, incorrectly headlined: “Britain’s scorching heatwaves caused by falling pollution levels, researchers find.”
Scientists tell Carbon Brief that the framing of heatwaves being “caused” by declining air pollution is “wrong”.
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