Europe heatwave a 'brutal reminder' of climate change

A heat dome brought midsummer-like temperatures to western Europe, producing the hottest-ever May days in the UK and France. The UN climate chief said the main driver was human burning of coal, oil, and gas, which increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Extreme heat also affected India, where troops fought forest fires and authorities reported deaths from heatstroke. Air-quality monitoring recorded the hottest cities worldwide at midday in India, with temperatures above 43C. France reported at least seven heat-related deaths, including drownings as people sought cooling in water. Britain reported four teen drownings since Sunday. Ireland saw record May temperatures, while Spain, Italy, and Austria experienced unusually hot conditions.

"The UK and France have reported their hottest ever May days this week as a "heat dome" brought sizzling temperatures more typical of midsummer to western Europe. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the "main culprit" was humanity's burning of coal, oil and gas -- the primary driver of climate change. "The science is clear that human-induced climate change is making these heatwaves more frequent and extreme," Stiell said in a statement."

"He also noted extreme conditions gripping India, where troops are battling forest fires and local authorities have reported deaths from heatstroke. International air-quality monitoring platform AQI recorded that the top 45 hottest cities in the world were all in India at midday on Wednesday, all above 43C. "Protecting human lives, businesses and economies from extreme heat and the many other soaring costs of climate change is core business for every nation, and it starts with kicking the fossil fuel addiction much faster," Stiell said."

"French authorities on Tuesday reported at least seven deaths linked to the heatwave -- five of which were drownings, as many people sought relief at water spots. Authorities in Britain said four teens had drowned in England since Sunday. France and the UK both logged their hottest-ever May day Monday and then again on Tuesday. Ireland also reported record-breaking temperatures for May while Spain, Italy and Austria have also experienced unusually sweltering conditions for this time of year."

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