This Summer, Europe experienced unprecedented heat levels, with a number of extreme heatwaves and wildfires engulfing the continent. The record-breaking high temperatures have resulted in deaths in multiple countries, posing the question: what will our European future look like with the rapid advances of climate change?
In Ireland, the Summer heatwaves have led to record temperatures, with, so far, no serious consequences for its population and key infrastructure. While it is widely appreciated that climate change is a negative phenomenon, increased sunshine and warmer temperatures were appreciated commodities by the Irish public. The pleasant summer saw many people taking the opportunity to travel to the beach, partake in outside activities and to enjoy the nice weather.
Across the ocean in mainland Europe, however, the consequences have been much more brutal. Many countries have reached record temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and have faced consistent droughts, fires, and casualties.
Europe, as a whole, has suffered immensely from the heatwaves, with The Guardian reporting in excess of 35,000 deaths this Summer from heatwaves across Europe. Germany alone reported 16,300 deaths from April to August, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
The numbers, from a combination of sources, do not yet account for the entirety of August, or indeed for the whole of Europe, so true numbers are expected to be even higher. Additionally, wildfires have become rampant, particularly in France and Spain; countries that have dealt with some of the highest temperatures and the least rainfall over the Summer months. As stated by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, over 647 882 hectares have been scorched by fires since the start of the year.
Unfortunately, the impacts don’t stop there. European nations have paid a heavy economic price for these incidents. Production levels across the continent have declined and nuclear generators have had to shut down due to cooling difficulties (such as the Paks Nuclear Plant in Hungary) due to historically low water levels on the rivers Rhine and Danube.
This creates more difficulties for production and revenue due to restricted traffic on these waterways. Tourism income is predicted to drop, as high temperatures discourage people from travelling to areas with traditionally high tourist levels in France, Italy, and Spain.
While European nations’ income has been diminished by the extreme temperatures, this is exacerbated by increased temperature-related costs facing European governments. The cost of extinguishing fires, implementing preventative measures, water consumption, and caring for casualties all add up to create significant economic pressure for governments across the continent.
But what action is being taken as a result? In France, for one, there have been increased restrictions on the water consumption of residents. At one point, 98% of the country was under active heat alerts, and water limits have become increasingly widespread. The Parisian local government has implemented fines for disregarding such restrictions, which can reach upwards of €1500, and have devised a new water consumption monitoring page, entitled ‘VigiEau’.
While Ireland has not suffered to the same extent as some other European countries, that does not mean that it is safe from the consequences of extreme heat. Rather, Europe serves as a warning to the Irish government of the veracity of climate change.
While currently there are no water restrictions in place (besides sporadic hose-pipe bans), such plans have been mentioned and could eventually come into effect in a few years time, should the need arise.
Clio Tulloch – Contributor