As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, southern Europe finds itself in the midst of a second heatwave within a span of two weeks. With Greece, Spain, and Switzerland battling wildfires, authorities are urging residents and tourists to take precautions and stay indoors during the hottest hours. This blog post delves into the escalating temperatures, the impact on human health, and the underlying causes behind this concerning trend.
Southern Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave amplified by climate change, which is expected to persist for several days. The United Nations’ weather agency warns that temperatures may surpass the record-breaking 48.8-degree Celsius (119.8-degree Fahrenheit) mark set in Sicily two years ago. Such extreme heatwaves raise concerns about a potential spike in heat-related deaths.
Heatwaves, aptly described as “invisible killers,” pose serious risks to human health. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emphasizes that Europe is witnessing hotter temperatures for longer durations each summer. Cyprus recently reported the tragic death of a 90-year-old man due to heatstroke, while six other elderly persons were hospitalized after suffering from heatstroke as temperatures soared above 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit).
Not only is Europe experiencing record-breaking temperatures, but the world as a whole is setting new heat records. Measurements dating back to the 19th century suggest that 2023 may become the hottest year on record. Climate scientists attribute this trend to human-caused climate change, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels. The naturally occurring El Nino weather phenomenon amplifies these effects; however, the current El Nino is still weak and expected to peak in winter.
Extreme heatwaves are not limited to southern Europe. Forecasts predict temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across North America, Asia, and North Africa. Italy, Greece, and Spain, in particular, are bracing for extremely high temperatures, prompting health officials to issue warnings and implement measures such as adjusting working hours and closing ancient sites during the hottest parts of the day. Spain, already battling a prolonged drought, also faces a heightened risk of wildfires.
Efforts to combat the wildfires have been underway with firefighters, emergency teams, and aerial support deployed in affected regions. In Spain’s Canary Islands, firefighters are tirelessly working to extinguish a wildfire that has persisted for several days, while Switzerland has witnessed a significant mobilization of personnel to combat a wildfire in the Wallis region, resulting in the evacuation of nearby villages and hamlets.
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