#heatwaves

#heatwaves

Major energy producers increased the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves, according to research published in Nature. Using data from an international disaster database, a team developed a methodology to investigate how much anthropogenic climate change had influenced heatwaves. They conclude that many of these events would have been "virtually impossible" without climate change, and that nearly a quarter of the heatwaves recorded from 2000 to 2023 can be directly linked to the greenhouse-gas emissions from individual energy giants.

The UK's mean temperature from 1 June to 17 August is currently 16.2°C, which is 1.6°C above the long-term meteorological average.

Iran is experiencing its hottest week of the year, with temperatures exceeding 50C in some areas, alongside a severe water crisis due to five years of drought and lower rainfall.

Very high temperatures over several days with temperatures that do not drop at night cause the temperature of the tarmac to rise by several dozen degrees (on the surface), which put severe strain on the underground networks.

Employers must ensure 'the necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the health' of their workers, potentially relating to extreme heat exposure.