health
‘Mind-bogglingly crazy’: climate experts alarmed by deadly spring heatwaves searing Europe
Scientists warn of ‘new reality’ of heat extremes that claim three times more lives than car crashes and 16 times as many as murderers
TL;DR
- The UK recorded its hottest May temperature, shattering the previous record by 2°C.
- France activated its national warning system for the first time in May and linked seven deaths to the heat.
- Experts estimate hundreds of additional heat-related deaths in England and Wales over a single weekend.
- Climate scientists state that the climate crisis has made heatwaves stronger and more likely.
- The primary cause identified is the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, contributing to a global rise in average temperatures.
- Farmers are concerned about the impact of prolonged heat and drought on crops.
- El Niño's potential return could lead to even hotter temperatures in the future, though projections are variable.