Can we handle the heat in Europe?
Europe is sweltering, with temperatures reaching record levels well above 40 degrees Celsius in some places. Forest fires are spreading, rivers and lakes are drying up, crops are withering, and especially for the sick and elderly the heat poses a major health problem. European commentators review the causes and potential countermeasures.
Break the air conditioning taboo
Les Echos argues in favour of air cooling systems:
“We must plant trees in cities, develop support plans for the vulnerable, change agricultural practices, rethink working conditions, and so on. ... And one taboo must be broken: air conditioning. ... Whereas it is commonplace in the United States and in China, in France it has a bad reputation when it comes to private and communal living spaces and schools. ... Yet progress has already been made on limiting its detrimental impact on the climate, and further advances are possible. ... It's time to change the narrative and embrace technology before heat waves become fatal.”
Global warming is real and threatening
These temperatures should put climate change back in the spotlight, writes the Süddeutsche Zeitung:
“In many places, however, the opposite is the case. ... [French President Emmanuel] Macron, [German Energy and Economy Minister] Katherina Reiche and many other politicians in European governments are currently telling people that competitiveness and economic growth are the top priorities. Climate protection? Yes, that too. But it mustn't prevent us from making money or disrupt our habits. If it takes longer, well then so be it. It's just a pity that now, of all times, we're being hit by a heatwave. ... This week shows once again that human-driven global warming is real and threatening. You'd have to close your eyes tight, cover your ears and turn up the air conditioning to max to ignore this fact.”
Blind spot in legislation
Government regulations are long overdue, Libération is convinced:
“The heat wave is overpowering and the measures being taken are insufficient. ... Our inability to adapt is claiming more and more victims. Especially since heat waves are no longer a rare phenomenon but the norm. Everyday life is coming to a standstill: schools are being closed in several departments, activities are being scaled back, and everyday life is gradually being eroded by this heat that will become an increasing burden. ... The issue has long been a blind spot in public policy, but a cross-party bill is to be presented to the National Assembly in the next few days. ... Let's hope it moves the issue forward.”
Stop infantilising us!
The Spectator feels bossed around by a nanny state:
“Perhaps it's a net zero conspiracy. The more we scare people about normal weather, the easier we'll get them to buy heat pumps and electric cars. But the bigger issue is surely this awful addiction to the state, aided and abetted by the health and safety industry, which specialises in infantilising us all. It makes you wonder what on earth comes next. The Health Secretary reminding us to use a brolly in the rain? To wrap up if it snows? To drink when thirsty? To change our underwear?”
We need a green masterplan
We need a joint approach to environmental protection, says Trouw:
“A solid climate protection agenda that industry can build on for the coming decades is absolutely essential. The business lobby, which has campaigned for the abolition of the CO2 tax, must not be allowed to sit back and relax. The Netherlands can't afford that, either environmentally or economically. ... A green masterplan is needed. ... The EU countries must harmonise their industrial production strategies, taking the climate into account. And subsidies for fossil fuels must be abolished.”