Science Weekly

Staying cool in Europe’s record-breaking heat

19 snips
Aug 14, 2025
Ajit Niranjan, The Guardian's Europe Environment Correspondent, dives into Europe's alarming heatwave, where temperatures soar past 44°C and wildfires rage. He discusses the unique challenges Europeans face during this crisis, from sleepless nights to health risks. Strategies to stay cool, such as optimal hydration and clever cooling techniques, are shared, along with intriguing insights into how gender affects temperature perception. The conversation stresses the urgent need for climate action to combat these record-breaking conditions.
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ANECDOTE

Sleepless Nights From Indoor Heat

  • Adam Taylor described being unable to sleep because it was very warm and staying out of hot homes.
  • He and others sought cooler places to escape indoor 28°C temperatures.
ANECDOTE

Tourists Turned Away By Smoke And Fires

  • Ajit Niranjan described tourists choking on wildfire smoke near Madrid and Vesuvius visitors being turned away.
  • These examples show popular destinations becoming dangerous and unpleasant during heat-driven fires.
INSIGHT

Why Europe Is Heating Faster

  • Europe has warmed about twice as fast as the global average, making heat extremes more frequent.
  • A mix of polar warming, ocean/atmospheric shifts and reduced aerosol pollution accelerates regional heating.
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