ROME: Europe is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat as scorching heatwaves continue to afflict various regions across the world, with ongoing wildfires in Greece and the Canary Islands exacerbating the situation and posing threats to homes and air quality.
Authorities in multiple countries, including California and China, have issued health warnings about the dangers of extreme heat, urging people to stay hydrated and seek shelter from the blazing sun. The UN’s World Meteorological Agency (WMO) has emphasized that the trend of heatwaves is persisting and intensifying, emphasizing the need for global preparation. Italy and Spain experienced relentless temperatures, leading three regions to issue red alerts for hot weather.
However, by midday, the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily had yet to surpass the continental record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 degrees Fahrenheit) set in Sicily in August 2021. Many Italians sought refuge by the sea, while tourists in Rome struggled to find shade amidst soaring temperatures. Meanwhile, ongoing forest fires near Athens, Greece, led to a dense cloud of smoke, and a heatwave on the horizon threatens to worsen the situation. These heatwaves occurring in Europe and across the globe are a result of multiple factors, but climate change is undoubtedly amplifying their impact.
Red Alert for Heatwave
Experts warn that urgent action is necessary to address this issue. In Italy, health authorities issued red alerts for 20 cities, and summer camps in Sardinia implemented restrictions on beach visits and outdoor activities. Spain faced similar challenges, with Catalonia and the Balearic Islands expecting temperatures as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
On the Canary Islands, firefighters battled a wildfire that has devastated 3,500 hectares of forest and forced thousands to evacuate. Poor air quality prompted authorities to advise residents to wear face masks. Asia also grappled with record-breaking temperatures. Southern China and Vietnam evacuated nearly 260,000 people ahead of a typhoon, while China experienced a new high of 52.2 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit) in the village of Sanbao.
Heatstroke Alert in Japan
Japan issued heatstroke alerts in 32 of its prefectures, and the United States faced a widespread and oppressive heatwave in western and southern states. California witnessed several wildfires, including the Rabbit Fire, which burned thousands of acres and remained only 45 percent contained.
As the world faces these extreme weather events, US climate envoy John Kerry urged global leadership on climate issues during his visit to Beijing to revive diplomatic efforts with China. The intensifying heatwaves serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on communities around the world.
