A deadly heatwave is moving east across Europe, threatening record temperatures in Germany and causing deaths and disruptions in Spain and Italy. Simultaneously, a political row has erupted in France over air conditioning, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen proposing a 'grand plan' for AC in public spaces, arguing it saves lives. The French government and Green party leaders criticize this as an incompetent and environmentally damaging solution, advocating for green spaces and building insulation instead. The heatwave has led to wildfires, power cuts, and agricultural damage across the continent.
Europe’s heatwave moves east as row erupts in France over air conditioning
(6 months ago)
Angelique Chrisafis, Sam Jones, Angela Giuffrida, Deborah Cole, Lorenzo Tondo
Extreme weatherEuropeEnvironmentClimate crisisWorldFranceGermanyMarine Le Pen
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A deadly heatwave is moving east across Europe, threatening record temperatures in Germany and causing deaths and disruptions in Spain and Italy. Simultaneously, a political row has erupted in France over air conditioning, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen proposing a 'grand plan' for AC in public spaces, arguing it saves lives. The French government and Green party leaders criticize this as an incompetent and environmentally damaging solution, advocating for green spaces and building insulation instead. The heatwave has led to wildfires, power cuts, and agricultural damage across the continent.
Trending- 1 Tuesday (early July 2025): Bodies of two farm workers found near Coscó, Spain; young boy dies in Tarragona, Spain; two deaths linked to heatwave in France; two forest fires break out in Brandenburg, Germany; power cuts in parts of Italy
- 2 Wednesday (early July 2025): 70-year-old lorry driver found dead in northern Italy; Italy's health ministry issues maximum red alert for heat in 18 cities; Germany expected to record hottest temperatures of the year
- 3 Ongoing: Europe grapples with deadly heatwave; French political row over air conditioning continues
- Record temperatures across Europe
- Multiple deaths linked to heatwave (Spain, France, Italy)
- Wildfires (Spain, Germany)
- Power cuts and infrastructure strain (Italy)
- Agricultural damage (Italy)
- Political debate and division in France over climate change solutions
What: A deadly heatwave is sweeping across Europe, causing record temperatures, deaths, and disruptions, while sparking a political debate in France over the widespread installation of air conditioning.
When: This week (early July 2025); Tuesday and Wednesday for specific incidents.
Where: Europe, specifically France (Pas-de-Calais), Germany, Spain (Catalonia, Lleida province, Tarragona province), Italy (northern Italy, Brescia, Florence, Rome, Milan, Genoa, Bergamo, Sicily), Brandenburg state (Germany).
Why: The heatwave is caused by extreme weather conditions. The political debate in France stems from differing approaches to mitigating heatwave impacts: the far-right advocates for AC for immediate relief and safety, while the government and Greens prioritize long-term, environmentally sustainable solutions.
How: The heatwave is causing temperatures to surge, leading to heatstroke deaths, wildfires, and strain on infrastructure (e.g., power grids, traffic lights). In France, Marine Le Pen is using the heatwave as a political platform, proposing AC expansion, while the government and environmentalists counter with arguments about environmental impact and alternative solutions.