Scorching Heat, Fires Spread in W. Europe and Mediterranean

JUL 18 2022·Updated JUL 19 2022

Story

Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via the Guardian]

The Facts

An extreme heat wave that has engulfed the UK is impacting other parts of Europe including Spain, Italy, and France. Temperatures in France were forecast to reach 40°C (104°F) on Tuesday.
nytimes
A total of 1k combined fatalities have been blamed on the heat in Portugal and Spain.
BBC News
In France, the extreme temperatures are fueling wildfires, as 15K people have been evacuated on the nation's western coast.
wapo
In Spain, 3.2k residents fled additional fires in the Mijas hills. Throughout the Mediterranean region - from Morocco to Crete - firefighters have been battling blazes caused by the sweltering heat and dry vegetation.
BBC News
This comes as, on Tues., the UK experienced its hottest day on record as temperatures eclipsed 40°C (104°F). The London fire brigade declared a "major incident" in response to a "huge surge in fires across the capital."
guardian
This past weekend, the UK Met Office issued a "Red Extreme" heat weather warning for the first time in the nation's history.
ITN

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

From Western Europe to across the Mediterranean region, thousands of people are dying from what is being described as an "apocalypse of heat," and an "avalanche of fire." Climate researchers tell us extreme events like these will happen more frequently and with more ferociousness. It's time to demand emergency climate action out of Europe's leaders.

World Socialist Web Site

Narrative B

Humanity has a long and enduring history of finding technological solutions to thrive in all climates. Hyper-alarmist policies on climate change are destructive and have put Europe in a bind both economically and geopolitically. Europe can't afford short-sighted "green" policies that produce less economic growth, less energy security, and less geopolitical stability.

Restoring America