Italy heatwave could push temperatures close to European record


· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece here in The Guardian or enjoy below
🗞️ Driving the news: A severe heatwave named Cerberus, caused by an anticyclone, is expected to push temperatures beyond 40C (104F) in Italy this week
• The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are predicted to experience the highest temperatures of around 47-48C
🔭 The context: The impact of extreme heat on human health is more severe than often acknowledged
• It doesn't only cause deaths from heatstroke but also exacerbates pre-existing health conditions like heart and lung diseases, leading to fatalities
🌎 Why it matters for the planet: Europe's temperatures have risen almost twice as fast as the global average due to human activities that increase global warming
• Unless mitigated, the increasing number and intensity of heatwaves signal a more deadly future, underlying the urgency of reducing planet-warming emissions and adapting to higher temperatures
⏭️ What's next: Unless measures are taken to protect people from hotter weather and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, heat waves will become even more lethal
• Research suggests the need to fortify healthcare systems and prioritize protection for vulnerable groups to reduce the death toll
💬 One quote: “We are talking about people for whom the occurrence of these temperatures triggered their death.” (Prof. Joan Ballester, Barcelona Institute for Global Health)
📈 One stat: During a week in the summer of 2022, the intense heatwave in Europe led to the death of 11,637 people
Click for more news covering the latest on Climate Change
illuminem briefings

Climate Change · Environmental Sustainability
illuminem briefings

Climate Change · AI
Gokul Shekar

Effects · Climate Change
The Guardian

Climate Change · Agriculture
The Guardian

Agriculture · Climate Change
Euronews

Climate Change · Effects