European Nations Restart Coal Power Stations Amidst Severe Heatwave, Initiating Premature Fire Seasons

Europe is currently grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, causing record-breaking temperatures and wildfires, as well as an energy crisis that has forced several countries to revive coal plants and delay climate action.

The extreme weather conditions have been particularly severe in Portugal, where temperatures have soared to 46°C in central regions, making it the hottest June on record. The country is experiencing the driest conditions in over a millennium, with 96% of Portugal classified as being in "extreme" or "severe" drought. These conditions have created perfect conditions for wildfires, leading to the earliest-ever wildfire season. On Saturday alone, 125 blazes were recorded, marking the highest number in a single day this year.

The European Forest Fire Information System shows that the current burnt area in the continent is four times greater than the 2006 to 2021 average. The wildfires have caused numerous injuries, with dozens of people being injured in Portugal due to the wildfires. Tragically, a massive glacier collapse in Italy's Alps, also triggered by the heatwave, resulted in the death of 11 individuals last week.

France and Germany have also experienced scorching temperatures, with France reaching 39°C in May, making it the "hottest month on record", and Germany reaching 39.2°C in June. Spain has seen temperatures reaching 43°C, further emphasising the severity of the heatwave.

The energy crisis in Europe has been exacerbated by the heatwave, with several countries forced to revive coal plants due to gas shortages and Russia cutting supplies. The EU is considering the increased use of coal as a "temporary" measure to mitigate the energy crisis, but it has postponed ambitious net-zero transition plans.

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who has resorted to coal power plants following the rise in temperatures in Europe, has thus delayed the EU's net-zero environmental protection plan. The heatwave in Italy is threatening the inflation-weary region with a further rise in food and energy prices, while jeopardizing local agriculture and hydroelectric supplies.

The extreme weather in Europe serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of delayed climate action. As the continent battles some of the worst heatwaves on record, even before the midpoint of summer, the need for urgent climate action becomes increasingly apparent.

European Nations Restart Coal Power Stations Amidst Severe Heatwave, Initiating Premature Fire Seasons