Can we handle the heat in Europe?
Europe is sweltering as temperatures hit record levels of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places. Wildfires are spreading, rivers and lakes are drying up, crops are withering, and particularly for the sick and elderly the heat poses a major health risk. Commentators examine existential questions.
Shift the focus to the climate battle
The Irish Examiner warns:
“While we fight amongst ourselves and pour attention on the unnecessary carnage that has been wilfully created by malign actors across the globe, our attention has drifted away from a war we must win. ... As Brazil prepares to host Cop30 in Belem in November, the lack of international focus on climate issues is becoming an issue in its own right. Less than 30 of the 200 participating nations have even drafted plans, as required by the 2015 Paris agreement, to combat the worst effects of global warming.”
Fatal belief in progress
This is the wrong approach, reflects Magyar Hang:
“The signs are clear: global warming, devastation, pollution and destruction at all levels. But we turn a blind eye because we want progress, further advances. More! Even bigger! Even more modern, at any cost! But instead of developing our environment in absurd ways, we should focus on developing ourselves. Our way of thinking, our attitude to our brief existence on this planet. ... It is a fundamental mistake to believe that the path we are currently stumbling along is the path of real progress.”
Redefine the framework together
Le Soir makes the following appeal:
“Governments and authorities are more focused on dodging their responsibilities than acting with foresight and working for the common good. ... But individuals also need to examine their conscience a little. Why not take a closer look at these everyday complaints, these fears about the future and our loved ones, which have been undermined by our personal choices in terms of lifestyle, consumption, mobility, food and savings, which are sometimes in total contradiction with today's most pressing issues? ... Taken together, a multitude of small gestures would prove more than any survey that the collective will is there to redefine the framework of politics, the economy and our social coexistence.”
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.”