Latest editorial
Local residents look on at a burning forest fire, near Puntagorda on the Canary Island of La Palma, July 15, 2023
AUTHORITIES across the northern hemisphere issued health warnings and advice on staying hydrated over the weekend as Europe, Asia and America baked in a record-breaking heatwave.
Athenian authorities closed the Acropolis as temperatures in the Greek capital reached 41°C, while heat alerts were issued by 15 Italian cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Rome is forecast to hit temperatures of 42°C on Tuesday.
The alerts advise people to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm. The Italian Red Cross warned that most people are unaware of the health risks posed by such high temperatures.
Unions and climate activists pressure government to consider legislation for maximum working temperature
The recent heatwaves revealed how ill-prepared Britain remains for a hotter future – and how unequal the ability to cope with it has become, write ROX MIDDLETON, LIAM SHAW and MIRIAM GAUNTLETT
Extreme heat is now one of the defining public health challenges of a warming world, explains Prof IAN WILLIAMS