Climate-focused public figure; in the news as heatwaves and policy debates intensify around 1.5°C targets and emissions cuts.
Britain faces a hot, drought-scorched summer that has broken multiple temperature records. Officials say human-caused climate change has made such extremes far more likely, with authorities warning of ongoing impacts across health, agriculture and public services.
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.
Meteorological services have confirmed that summer 2026 has recorded the highest mean temperatures on record across the UK and much of western Europe, driven by five widespread heatwaves, prolonged drought and repeated 30°C+ days. Health services, farmers and transport networks have been disrupted and provisional estimates link thousands of excess deaths to the heat.
UNEP reports that the world will likely exceed the 1.5°C limit in coming years. The recommended path is an overshoot, peak and decline, combining deep emissions cuts with carbon removal, while emphasising protection of vulnerable communities and the need for adaptation.