Extreme heat in Europe ‘a brutal reminder’ of climate crisis, UN chief says
Summary
Parts of western Europe have experienced record-breaking early heat in May, with France, the UK, and Spain seeing unusually high temperatures. The UN climate chief said this extreme heat shows the harmful effects of climate change, mainly caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.Key Facts
- The UK broke its May heat record twice, reaching 35.1°C (95.2°F) in London, surpassing records from 1922 and 1944.
- France recorded its hottest May day ever, with a national heat index hitting 24.8°C, and some areas expecting temperatures up to 39°C.
- A heat dome, caused by a high-pressure system, trapped heat and raised temperatures 10 to 13°C above normal for May in France.
- Spain faces temperatures up to 40°C, with early heat alerts in northern and southern regions.
- The UN official highlighted fossil fuel use as the main cause of these extreme heatwaves.
- Heat-related deaths and accidents occurred, including drownings in France and the UK as people sought relief.
- Scientists confirm such early and intense heat events are becoming more common due to human-driven climate change.
- The UN climate chief linked the heatwave to the global dependence on fossil fuels and stressed the need to shift to cleaner energy sources.
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