Novelist Ian McEwan stated pessimism is a "bigger problem than climate change" at the Hay Festival. He argued optimism is a "moral duty" and "exercise in rationality." Farmer Minette Batters described extreme weather's impact, calling farming "Russian roulette" due to political uncertainty and lack of clear government plans.
Parts of the UK are experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching record highs for May. Several areas have officially met heatwave criteria, with predictions of even higher temperatures. The Met Office links the extreme heat to the climate crisis. Disruptions include water supply issues and pleas for caution around open water.
Parts of the UK are experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching record highs for May. Several areas, including London and Suffolk, have officially met heatwave criteria. Health alerts have been issued, and extreme heat is linked to the climate crisis.
The UK is set to declare a heatwave as temperatures approach May records, with highs of 33-34C predicted. The Met Office notes climate change makes such extreme heat three times more likely.
Western Europe, including Portugal, Spain, France, and the UK, is preparing for a major heat event with temperatures forecast to exceed 30C, potentially setting new May records. A heat dome is blamed for the premature and intense heat.
