Heat is one of the clearest signs of the climate crisis. The planet-heating gases pumped out by burning fossil fuels envelop the planet like a blanket, warming the Earth. Scientists are clear that climate change is fueling more extreme heat waves — and Europe is the planet’s fastest-warming continent.

“We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that heat wave events such as this have been made more likely and more severe due to climate change,” said Peter Thorne, director of ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University, Ireland. “But nevertheless many of the records being set, particularly in the UK and France, are mind-bogglingly crazy,” he added.

  • BozeKnoflook@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    6 hours ago

    After living in the Netherlands for about three years (moved here from the US) I finally gave in and ordered an air conditioner. I was slightly worried about my neighbors judging us for it (it’ll hang out the window, it’s hard to not notice) only to learn that they also bought one that same day.

    All the homes are brick, and are well suited to retaining heat through winter. I only set my thermostat to ~65F for a single room and leave the rest of the apartment unheated and the other rooms average about 50F. In summer though it may peak at 85F outside, but inside it will hit 100F and just stay there for hours even when it’s back down to 65F outside at night.

    Awesome in winter, and an oven in summer.