Extreme heatwaves have swept across Europe this week, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Some regions in Spain and Portugal experienced temperatures hotter than the Sahara Desert.
Authorities are advising people to stay indoors as schools shut down, wildfires spread, and nuclear power plants reduce output due to warm river temperatures affecting cooling efficiency. The World Health Organization reports that over 1,300 deaths in Europe since June 21st are attributed to the scorching heat.
Europe, which traditionally expected hot but tolerable summers, is now facing a climate reality shift, impacting its cities, buildings, public spaces, and tourism sector.
Ajit Niranjan, The Guardian’s correspondent covering Europe’s environmental issues, discusses the continent’s adaptation to a climate different from what it was originally built for.
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