Widespread wildfires in North America and Europe, exacerbated by climate change, are causing immediate devastation and long-term health, economic, and social consequences. A University of Hawaii study highlights persistent issues in Maui years after fires, including mental health and physical ailments.
South Korea recorded its highest temperature since national records began, reaching 42.5C in Yangsan, as an intense heatwave grips the country. Heat warnings are in effect, and the event is part of a global pattern of extreme weather linked to climate change, affecting Japan, Europe, North Africa, and the Western US.
Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought, marking the third such event in five years, as July becomes the driest month on record. Extreme heat, intensified by the climate crisis, has fueled wildfires, stressed farmers, and revealed archaeological sites, prompting hosepipe bans for 23 million people.
Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought, with July set to be the driest month on record, as extreme heat and a lack of rainfall intensify. This marks the third drought in five years, leading to hosepipe bans for 23 million people, numerous wildfires, and concerns for farmers and wildlife.
A strengthening El Niño is forecast to bring hotter, drier conditions globally from August to October, threatening India's monsoon and increasing drought, floods, and wildfire risks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of "uncharted territory" and calls for urgent action on fossil fuels.
Donald Trump accused Canada of "poisoning" US air with wildfire smoke, threatening sanctions and tariffs, prompting incredulity from scientists. Experts assert the fires are a symptom of the climate crisis, exacerbated by policies Trump supported, not a lack of Canadian management.
New UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh faces immediate pressure from climate activists to halt new North Sea oil and gas drilling, particularly at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. Her appointment, following Ed Miliband, signals a continuation of decarbonization efforts, despite internal party and trade union lobbying for new fossil fuel expansion.
A scientific analysis reveals extreme heat, intensified by the climate crisis, is driving severe drought across Europe. Conditions are 80x more likely in western Europe and 40x in eastern Europe, redefining drought as temperature-driven. This leads to water restrictions, wildfires, crop losses, and rising food/energy prices, with significant economic costs.
Canadian wildfires caused severe air quality issues in over 20 US states, prompting former President Trump to demand Canada pay damages. Canadian PM Carney linked the fires to climate change, while some US politicians proposed sanctions against Canada.
Scientists warn that up to 13 million people in the UK face a long-term risk of coastal flooding due to the climate crisis, with a "worst-case scenario" suggesting the need for large-scale population movement away from a dramatically reshaped coast.
The Albanese government's approval of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project extension in Western Australia faces a federal court challenge from conservation groups, testing Australia's environment law and international climate obligations.
One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts faces renewed scrutiny over claims like a global elite controlling green energy and Covid-19 vaccines being bioweapons, as his party's poll surge falters and leader Pauline Hanson faces pressure over UK meetings.
The United States is experiencing converging crises in election security, public health, and environmental protection. The Trump administration's policies, including federal workforce cuts, reduced funding for agencies, and rollbacks of environmental regulations, are exacerbating these issues, leading to disease outbreaks and increased vulnerability to environmental disasters.
Scientists estimate the June heatwave in England and Wales caused about 440 premature deaths daily during its peak. Combined with a May heatwave, around 2,700 lives were lost. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying these extreme temperatures, urging immediate emission cuts.
Australia faces a boom in datacenters, driven by AI, with profound economic and environmental consequences. While AI offers benefits, the massive energy and water consumption of datacenters strains resources and could slow the transition to net zero emissions. The economic benefits are questioned due to imported equipment and limited job creation, raising concerns about whether technology truly serves the Australian people.
Australia is experiencing a boom in datacentre construction, driven by AI development, but this growth poses significant economic and environmental challenges. Concerns include massive energy and water consumption, waste heat, limited job creation, and potential strain on renewable energy transitions.
European trade unions are pushing for new laws to address deadly heat stress in the workplace, linked to hundreds of annual deaths. They seek enforceable thermal limits, heat risk assessments, and rights to breaks and adjusted hours, as climate change intensifies occupational health risks.
The UK is experiencing an "extreme" marine heatwave with ocean temperatures 2C warmer than usual, potentially causing mass-mortality events for marine species. Scientists link this to Europe's recent heat dome and El Niño conditions, warning of significant ecosystem disruption.
The Yale Environmental Performance Index ranks Estonia first for its environmental efforts, followed by Luxembourg and the UK. While progress is noted in reducing air and water pollution, global action on climate change remains insufficient, with many countries off track for net-zero commitments.
Marks & Spencer is investing in refrigeration equipment capable of handling temperatures up to 45C due to the climate crisis. CEO Stuart Machin cited recent extreme heat challenges and the need to adapt to a hotter UK, alongside investments in security and fashion ranges.
Despite escalating global heatwaves and scientific warnings, major oil companies are planning significant increases in fossil fuel production, prioritizing shareholder profits over climate goals. This expansion contradicts Paris Agreement targets and exacerbates the climate crisis.
A new poll reveals that the recent heatwave in England caused mass sleep deprivation, with two-thirds of people struggling to sleep. Almost half lost three hours of sleep nightly. The heatwave also impacted homes, health, and businesses, leading to calls for polluters to fund necessary upgrades.
Research in New South Wales found extreme high temperatures double the risk of young people (up to 24) being hospitalized for mental health conditions in warmer months, tripling it in cooler months. This suggests climate change will worsen youth mental health, prompting calls for mental health messaging in heat warnings.
Greece is installing floating barriers in bays to protect swimmers from toxic pufferfish, an invasive species drawn by warming waters. The fish, capable of severe bites and containing a lethal neurotoxin, have prompted public health warnings and eradication programs.
