Fossil fuel emissions have rapidly worsened European heatwaves in just a few decades 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, driven by a persistent high-pressure system. This pattern has transported hot air from North #Africa into the region while also bringing clear skies and strong sunshine, which have further intensified the heat. Heatwaves cause more deaths in Europe than all other natural hazards combined. As temperatures continue to rise, ageing populations, growing prevalence of chronic illness, and uneven access to cooling and heat-resilient housing are increasing vulnerability, placing mounting pressure on health systems. This summer shows that at 1.4°C of #GlobalWarming, extreme heat is already reaching the limits of our societies’ ability to cope. Our analysis here shows that intense heat is increasing rapidly even in living memory, with such events tens to hundreds of times more likely since only 2003 and virtually impossible just 50 years ago. >>> A rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is critical if we are to avoid even higher temperatures and their consequences in the future. https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/fossil-fuel-emissions-have-rapidly-worsened-european-heatwaves-in-just-a-few-decades/ #WeatherAttribution #ClimateCrisis #FossilFuels #CO2