Climate change has intensified Europe's risk of drought, scientists say

Firefighters stand near the scene where two firefighters died while battling a building fire in Merignac in southwestern France on July 21, 2026. © Caroline Blumberg, AP

Human-caused climate change has intensified Europe's drought by making extreme heat, rather than low rainfall, the main driver of exceptionally dry conditions, an international team of scientists said on Thursday, warning that a warmer atmosphere is sharply increasing drought and wildfire risks.

Human-caused climate change has intensified a drought across Europe, with extreme heat, rather than low rainfall, driving the exceptionally dry conditions, a team of international scientists said on Thursday.