Europe is grappling with a relentless heat wave that has swept across its southern and eastern regions, causing surging electricity demand and widespread power outages. As temperatures climb to unprecedented levels, the reliance on air conditioning and increased consumption of cold water have placed immense pressure on energy and water infrastructure. This unprecedented strain has led to system failures and disruptions in many areas over recent weeks.
The severity of the heat wave was underscored on July 22, when the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the Earth experienced its warmest day on record. The daily global average temperature soared to a new high of 17.16 degrees Celsius.
“We are now in truly uncharted territory, and as the climate keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years,” warned Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
In Italy, iconic cities such as Rome, Naples, and Florence faced temperatures nearing record highs. On the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, conditions intensified with temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius. In response to the soaring heat, Italy has increased energy imports due to a decline in hydropower production and a surge in air conditioning usage, according to Italian media reports.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean island nation of Malta has endured prolonged blackouts in certain regions. The underground distribution network buckled under the intense heat, leading to significant power outages. In the town of Gzira, residents experienced power cuts lasting almost 40 hours before repairs were completed.
The continuous heat waves highlight the growing challenges posed by climate change, as Europe’s infrastructure struggles to cope with extreme weather conditions. The situation has raised concerns among authorities and citizens alike, prompting calls for increased investment in resilient energy and water systems to better withstand future climate-related stresses.
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Power cuts, water shortages hit Europe amid constant heat wave
cgtn.com
