Heatwaves are Europe’s biggest climate threat. These episodes of extreme heat compound rising average air temperatures across the world, all of which is the direct result of greenhouse gas emissions.
There have always been heatwaves – in Europe and throughout most of the planet – but in the 21st century they have become more frequent and intense, and last longer. Whatever definition of “heatwave” we use, the risk of one occurring has at least doubled compared to the 20th century.
