European heatwave is worst ever and impossible without climate crisis, scientists say

Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented and "worst ever recorded" heatwave, with scientists asserting it would be "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, leading to significant disruptions and numerous heat-related deaths across the continent. This extreme weather event underscores the escalating impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

Experts from the World Weather Attribution group emphasize that global warming has drastically intensified such heatwaves, making them far more likely and severe than in previous decades. They note that similar conditions were 3.5 degrees Celsius cooler in 1976 and that night-time temperatures are now 100 times more probable than just two decades ago.

The ongoing heatwave has resulted in critical heat stress for nearly half of Europe's largest cities, affecting health, transport, and energy systems. Scientists warn that without immediate and significant action to curb climate change, current summers may be considered relatively cool in the future, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience and mitigation efforts.