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Heatwave puts countries across Europe to the test

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August 15, 2025

Europe's heatwave is prompting creative ways to beat the heat. But beyond the quirky coping strategies, soaring temperatures are exposing a lack of preparedness in many countries for a hotter climate. And in southern Europe, the heat is causing wildfires to tear through towns and livelihoods.

Europe is facing a severe heatwave, exposing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and healthcare. In France and the Nordics, hospitals struggle with poorly ventilated buildings, forcing surgery cancellations. Wildfires in Greece, France, and Spain add to the crisis. Is Europe ready for a hotter future?

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