Record Heat Fuels Devastating Wildfires Across Western U.S. and Southern Europe

This summer, unprecedented wildfires are wreaking havoc in the western United States and southern Europe, driven by extreme heatwaves. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service recently reported that global temperatures have reached a record high of 17.16 degrees Celsius, surpassing previous records set just days apart, Xinhua reported yesterday.

In California, two major wildfires—the Park Fire and the Gold Complex Fire—have prompted thousands to evacuate, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in three counties. The Park Fire alone has consumed over 239,000 acres and damaged numerous structures.

Oregon faces its own crisis with the Durkee Fire, the largest active wildfire in the U.S., burning more than 288,000 acres.

Meanwhile, in Canada, wildfires in Alberta have forced evacuations in Jasper National Park, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to mobilize military resources for firefighting efforts.

In southern Europe, Italy is battling severe wildfires, particularly in Puglia, where over 10,000 hectares have been scorched. The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to assist affected regions as climate scientists link these disasters to ongoing climate change.