Europe is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in many regions. Some areas in Spain and Portugal even exceeded the heat of the Sahara Desert. Authorities are advising people to stay indoors, schools are closed, wildfires are spreading, and nuclear plants are reducing output due to warm river water affecting cooling efficiency. The World Health Organization reports that over 1,300 deaths in Europe have been linked to the heat since June 21st.
For years, Europe’s infrastructure and lifestyle were based on the expectation of hot but manageable summers. However, this paradigm is evolving. The Guardian’s Europe environment correspondent, Ajit Niranjan, discusses the consequences of an entire continent realizing it was designed for a climate that is no longer present.
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