Europe is currently experiencing its second heat wave of the year, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. France has recorded its hottest day ever, while schools across the UK have been canceled due to extreme weather conditions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described London as “cooking” during the city’s annual Climate Action Week.

The heat is not only a comfort issue but also a safety concern; around 40 people in France have drowned while trying to escape the intense heat, and thousands are without electricity. The UK meteorological service has issued a red alert for multiple regions, forecasting exceptionally hot and humid weather that will impact the general public.

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission in the UK, highlighted that the problem extends beyond homes, which are usually not air-conditioned. She noted that all infrastructure was built for a different type of climate, making even small issues like malfunctioning elevators potentially lethal during a fire. During the 2022 heat wave, 18 elevators in public housing blocks in one city borough failed.

National policies must consider those most vulnerable to heat stress, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. On Monday, two children died in a hot car in France. This highlights how critical it is for us to address climate change urgently. For many climate scientists, the link between these heat waves and climate change cannot be overstated.