Year: 2026

Increasingly hot Europe faces more Severe Droughts and Growing Challenges for Water and Land Management

The European summer of 2026 has so far been characterised by exceptional heat and widespread dryness (Copernicus, 2026). Between April and June, large parts of the continent, from Portugal in the southwest to southern Finland in the northeast, received below-average rainfall. Combined with successive heatwaves, these conditions have intensified drought across Europe, contributing to widespread … Continue reading “Increasingly hot Europe faces more Severe Droughts and Growing Challenges for Water and Land Management”

Climate Change and urban pressures intensify flood risk on the Gulf of Guinea coast

Between 20–22 June, the coastal regions of the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria, experienced exceptionally widespread and severe flooding following intense and persistent rainfall. In several locations, more than 140 mm of rain fell within less than 24 hours, overwhelming natural drainage systems and triggering extensive flash … Continue reading “Climate Change and urban pressures intensify flood risk on the Gulf of Guinea coast”

Fossil Fuels Are Heating America’s 250th Birthday  

Washington DC on a hot and humid day

A widespread heat wave is forecast to affect much of the central and eastern United States over the Fourth of July weekend, driven by a strong “heat dome”, a high pressure system sitting over the US, bringing moisture and warm air from the Gulf of Mexico  (Al Jazeera, 2026). Daytime high temperatures are expected to … Continue reading “Fossil Fuels Are Heating America’s 250th Birthday  “

Fossil fuel emissions have rapidly worsened European heatwaves in just a few decades

A person uses an umbrella to keep cool during a heatwave in London, England. June 22 2026. The UK’s Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning across parts of the country for this week.

Just weeks after a severe heatwave that broke all-time May records, Europe is experiencing another major heatwave that is breaking June and annual records. This is particularly remarkable given that June is not historically the hottest month in Western Europe. Across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and southern England, temperatures are reaching 5–12°C above seasonal averages, … Continue reading “Fossil fuel emissions have rapidly worsened European heatwaves in just a few decades”

Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year

The Kaaba during Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and a lifelong dream for many Muslims. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. This year, the Hajj falls in May, traditionally a safer and milder time of year … Continue reading “Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year”