A non-renewable energy source formed from buried organic matter, powering modern civilization yet driving climate risk.
A wave of extreme heat and wildfires across Europe, driven by climate breakdown, has prompted evacuations, strained emergency services, and mounting political debates about climate policy. The Guardian and other outlets report record fire activity in France, Spain, and across Western Europe, with analysts warning that these events are intensifying as summers grow hotter.
Provisional temperatures have surpassed long-standing June records across England, with 35.8C in Wigonholt and 35.7C in Charlwood, amid a Met Office red heat warning. Forecasters say figures could climb further as a heat-dome over western Europe drives extreme heat, health warnings are in place, and schools and transport are disrupted.
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
A European heatwave has intensified, with records shattered across multiple countries. New analyses attribute a substantial share of heat-related deaths to human-caused climate change, while authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure pressures as temperatures stay high.