On Saturday, Southern Europeans found themselves on alert for the first major heatwave of this summer, with climate change contributing to the soaring temperatures across the continent. In Rome, temperatures are projected to hit 37 degrees Celsius, prompting the influx of tourists and religious visitors to the city’s numerous public fountains for respite.
Marseille is bracing for even higher temperatures, potentially reaching near 40 degrees Celsius, leading local authorities in France's second-largest city to open public swimming pools for free access to assist residents in escaping the oppressive heat. Additionally, Portugal is facing extreme heat warnings with expected temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius in Lisbon, while both revelers and demonstrators at Jeff Bezos’s wedding in Venice contended with the intense summer sun.
An Italian student, Sriane Mina, shared her coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of hydration and staying active to avoid heat exhaustion. Scientists have repeatedly cautioned that the escalation of fossil fuel usage is contributing to alarming environmental changes, with Europe experiencing increasingly regular and severe summer heatwaves as a consequence of this trend. The heatwave is predicted to escalate further on Sunday, with Spain anticipating temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, reminiscent of previous years marked by devastating wildfires.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
It’s concerning to see how regular these heatwaves are becoming. We can't ignore the science anymore.
Leonardo
The tourists may be enjoying the fountains, but let’s face it, they are a sign of how we're managing climate stress.
Raphael
Why is everyone assuming it's all due to climate change? These temperatures are typical for summer in Southern Europe.
Michelangelo
It's frightening to think of the wildfires that follow heatwaves. The need for change is more urgent than ever!
Donatello
I hope this prompts more action toward sustainable practices. Our environment can’t take much more of this.