Becky Dale

Record-breaking June heatwaves across Europe and the UK demonstrate the accelerating effects of climate change, with several countries surpassing previous temperature highs by wide margins. Scientists attribute the intensity of these events to long-term warming driven by greenhouse gas emissions, amplified by regional factors such as reduced snow cover, declining air pollution and changing atmospheric circulation. Persistently warm seas further reinforce future heatwaves by limiting coastal cooling. Experts warn that extreme heat will continue to worsen until global emissions reach net zero, even though individual seasons may vary.