Europe's heat planning inadequate, analyst warns

A commentator writing in Project Syndicate has warned that Europe's focus on emergency heat planning is insufficient for the accelerating pace of climate change, arguing that a fundamental overhaul of infrastructure, energy systems and major economic sectors is needed.

The analysis, by Giulio Boccaletti, argues that after the 2022 heatwave killed an estimated 60,000 people across Europe, governments again turned to emergency measures such as school closures and outdoor labour regulations. 'The problem is that we are chasing a moving target,' he writes.

The opinion piece comes as Italy braces for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with forecasters warning of red alerts and temperatures reaching 41C in parts of the country, according to The Local Italy. The heatwave is expected to stretch through the August holidays.