Several European countries are experiencing dangerously high temperatures, with Portugal and Spain recording new heat records over 46C at the weekend. This heatwave, affecting almost all of France and southern countries, highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation and refocuses attention on ambitious climate targets, which have been under attack from the populist right. The article emphasizes the health risks (estimated 68,000 deaths in 2022), agricultural losses, and increased wildfires (like in Chios, Greece, last week) caused by extreme heat. It also criticizes inadequate adaptation plans, particularly in the UK, and calls for European leaders to use this 'teachable moment' to reinforce the importance of climate action.
The Guardian view on Europe’s heatwave: leaders should remind the public why ambitious targets matter
Climate crisisExtreme weatherEnvironmentParis climate agreementDonald TrumpGreeceFranceEuropeEuropean UnionSpainPortugal
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Several European countries are experiencing dangerously high temperatures, with Portugal and Spain recording new heat records over 46C at the weekend. This heatwave, affecting almost all of France and southern countries, highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation and refocuses attention on ambitious climate targets, which have been under attack from the populist right. The article emphasizes the health risks (estimated 68,000 deaths in 2022), agricultural losses, and increased wildfires (like in Chios, Greece, last week) caused by extreme heat. It also criticizes inadequate adaptation plans, particularly in the UK, and calls for European leaders to use this 'teachable moment' to reinforce the importance of climate action.
Trending- 1 2022: Estimated 68,000 people died due to heat in Europe.
- 2 Last week (prior to July 1st, 2025): Wildfire in Chios, Greece.
- 3 Weekend (prior to July 1st, 2025): Portugal and Spain recorded new temperature records (over 46C).
- 4 This week (starting July 1st, 2025): Scientists gathering at a conference in Exeter to discuss climate tipping points; EU states due to discuss an interim target for 2040.
- 5 2050: EU remains committed to net zero target.
- Dangerously high temperatures and heat records.
- Increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations (estimated 68,000 deaths in 2022 European heatwave).
- Losses in agriculture and rising food price inflation (UK).
- Wildfires (e.g., Chios, Greece).
- Closure of schools (France) and bans on outdoor work (Italy).
- Refocusing of minds on climate change and the need for adaptation.
- Criticism of inadequate adaptation plans (UK).
- Erosion of support for net zero policies in some European countries due to far-right populism.
What: A dangerous heatwave is affecting several European countries, leading to record-breaking temperatures, significant health risks, agricultural losses, and wildfires.
When: Current (as of July 1st, 2025), with new records set at the weekend (prior to July 1st).
Where: Europe, specifically France, Portugal, Spain, Greece (Chios), UK.
Why: Global heating makes destructive weather more likely. The heatwave is a manifestation of an increasingly unstable climate.
How: A 'heat dome' draws in and traps warm air. Leaders are responding with measures like closing schools (France), banning outdoor work (Italy), and issuing public health warnings. The event is also used to advocate for stronger climate policies and adaptation plans.