Heatwaves Expose Climate Action Strains

Extreme heat and related disasters are producing mounting human, economic and infrastructure pressures across Europe and other regions, including wildfires, storms, evacuations and strained public services.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell is using these impacts to urge faster reductions in coal, oil and gas use, expanded renewable energy, forest protection and more assistance for vulnerable countries. At the same time, European governments remain divided over the pace and design of emissions policies as energy costs and household support shape political feasibility.