Europe Scorches: Unprecedented Heatwave Sparks Alarms Across the Continent

Europe is currently facing a severe heatwave, prompting countries like Italy to ban outdoor work during peak temperatures, and France to close schools and the Eiffel Tower. The escalating heat has triggered widespread health alerts, with trade unions attributing a recent construction worker's death near Bologna to the scorching temperatures.

In Turkey, wildfires have necessitated the evacuation of approximately 50,000 individuals as the Mediterranean region endures record-breaking heat. According to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at double the global average, with early and prolonged heatwaves becoming more frequent.

Spain reported its hottest June with average temperatures soaring, while Germany saw an unusual rush to ski slopes as a respite from the heat. Climate agencies emphasize that the rise in temperatures and associated disasters underline the urgency of addressing climate change, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions.

(With inputs from agencies.)