Europe Drought and US Heatwave Highlight Accelerating Climate Crisis

Scientists say a warming climate has made extreme drought in western Europe up to 80 times more likely and in eastern Europe up to 40 times more likely, with fossil‑fuel pollution further increasing the odds. The drought has led to water-use restrictions, severe crop losses – an estimated nine million tonnes of grain in Europe, including France’s worst corn harvest in 50 years – and lower river levels that threaten hydropower and freight transport.

At the same time, a persistent heat dome over the United States is exposing about 70 million people to temperatures above 37.8 °C, with peaks over 42 °C in parts of Nebraska, Montana and Wyoming. The National Weather Service warns that night‑time temperatures remain high, raising the risk of heat‑related illness, especially for children, the elderly and those with health conditions. Health authorities advise staying in air‑conditioned spaces and staying hydrated.