May heatwaves, deaths, ruined harvests: study of Europe’s summer paints grim picture for the future
A new report from the EU's Copernicus climate service indicates that western Europe experienced its hottest summer on record, with significant heat stress affecting the population. The study links these extreme temperatures to fossil fuel pollution and the influence of a strong El Niño pattern.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the accelerating impact of climate change on public health and food security in Europe.
A woman cools off at a fountain in Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Italy, in August. The report found at least 60% of western Europe suffered through temperatures above 30C on 17 days this summer. A woman cools off at a fountain in Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Italy, in August. The report found at least 60% of western Europe suffered through temperatures above 30C on 17 days this summer. Extreme heat May heatwaves, deaths, ruined harvests: study of Europe’s summer paints grim picture for the future EU Copernicus report shows surface air temperatures from June to August were 2.5C above decadal average
Prefer the Guardian on Google The scorching heat that persistently baked western Europe this summer was the worst on record, a report has found, with more than half the continent seared by “very strong” heat stress that felt hotter than 38C.
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