europe heat wave climate cerberus
Unsplash: Dim Hou

‘Cerberus’ heatwave brings searing temperatures to Europe as Italy could hit 48C

The Independent writers Matt Drake and Stuti Mishra describe a heatwave named after a mythological underworld monster that could set a new record.

In a nutshell:

A heatwave is engulfing southern and eastern Europe, with temperatures in the Mediterranean expected to reach record highs. The heatwave is caused by an area of high pressure named Cerberus, which is forecast to bring temperatures of up to 48C to Sicily and Sardinia. The Red Cross has urged people to check on the most vulnerable during the high temperatures, and to stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and look out for signs of heatstroke.

Key quote:

Professor Richard Betts, climate scientist at the Met Office and University of Exeter told the BBC: “This is all a stark reminder of what we've known for a long time, and we will see ever more extremes until we stop building up more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere."

The big picture:

When fossil fuels are burned, they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, which warms the planet. As the planet warms, the atmosphere can hold more water vapor, which also traps heat. This creates a feedback loop that causes the planet to warm even more. While heat waves are a natural phenomenon, they are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. When the body is exposed to high temperatures, it works harder to cool itself down. This can lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is a mild condition, but heat cramps and heat stroke can be life-threatening.

For more, check out The Independent article.

How can we stay healthy in the face of increasing heat? EHN spoke with heat equity experts about how young people can work toward protecting the most vulnerable from extreme heat and advancing climate justice.

environmental justice

LISTEN: Robbie Parks on why hurricanes are getting deadlier

"In places where there are high minority populations they bear, by far, the most burden of deaths from tropical cyclones."

Dr. Robbie Parks joins the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast for a bonus episode to discuss how hurricanes have become deadlier in recent years and how we can better protect vulnerable communities.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Swiss glaciers shrink by record 10% in just 2 years — report

Switzerland's glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate. In just two years, the country has lost as much ice as it lost between 1960 and 1990.
air pollution silent killer
Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash

Silent killer: How deadly is air pollution?

It kills 7 million people a year. New research shows it also raises antibiotic resistance and is linked to cancer risks
air pollution silent killer
Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash

Silent killer: How deadly is air pollution?

It kills 7 million people a year. New research shows it also raises antibiotic resistance and is linked to cancer risks

Heat, air pollution and climate change … oh my! Was summer 2023 the new normal?

HOUSTON — This has been a summer of extreme heat — and scientists say this heat, coupled with infrequent rain, can supercharge air pollution. As the climate continues to warm, summers will pose a threat to not only our comfort but our lungs.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
children nature

Opinion: When kids feel the magic of nature, they will want to protect it

Improving our quality of life starts with the simple of act of getting kids outdoors.

birds climate change

In the Gulf of Maine, scientists race to save seabirds threatened by climate change

“I could see that, if successful, the methods developed could likely help these species."

fracking economics

Appalachia’s fracking counties are shedding jobs and residents: Study

The 22 counties that produce 90% of Appalachian natural gas lost a combined 10,339 jobs between 2008 and 2021.

Marathon Petroleum y una ciudad de Texas muestran una  potencial crisis de comunicaciones sobre sustancias químicas

Marathon Petroleum y una ciudad de Texas muestran una potencial crisis de comunicaciones sobre sustancias químicas

En los últimos tres años, Marathon ha violado repetidamente la ley de Aire Limpio y tuvo tres emergencias en el semestre de febrero a julio de 2023.

WATCH: How Marathon Petroleum and one Texas city show the potential for a chemical communication crisis

WATCH: How Marathon Petroleum and one Texas city show the potential for a chemical communication crisis

Marathon in Texas City has repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act and had three emergencies in the span of a six month period.

air pollution heart attack

ER visits for heart problems plummeted after Pittsburgh coal processor shut down

Levels of one highly-toxic pollutant fell by 90% and ER visits for heart problems decreased by 42% immediately after the shutdown.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.