Guterres Warns Climate Crisis Is Already Being Felt as Europe Faces Deadly Heatwave

Guterres Warns Climate Crisis Is Already Being Felt as Europe Faces Deadly Heatwave
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that climate change is no longer a distant threat, saying its effects are already disrupting daily life as Europe faces another severe heatwave.

Speaking in London ahead of London Climate Action Week, Guterres called on governments to accelerate the transition to clean energy and take urgent measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He said delays in climate action would increase economic losses, environmental damage, and health risks.

His remarks came as temperatures approached or exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several European countries. In France, officials reported heat-related deaths, including two children who died after being left in a vehicle. Authorities also warned of rising drowning incidents as people sought relief in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Scientists said the heatwave was intensified by hot air moving north from the Sahara and prolonged by weak winds. Climate researchers say Europe is warming more than twice as fast as the global average, increasing the risk of extreme weather.