What's Happening
Europe is in the midst of its worst heatwave on record, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in many countries. The heatwave has already disrupted lives and livelihoods, with over 60,000 people dying due to heat in Europe in 2022. France, which has been preparing for climate-fueled heatwaves for over two decades, has activated its national heat plan, which includes a four-tiered alert system and measures to protect vulnerable residents.
In the US, a surge in climate lawsuits is underway in response to regulatory rollbacks by the Trump administration. According to a global analysis by the London School of Economics, 20% of climate cases filed in the US in 2025 were aimed at preventing the rollbacks of existing climate regulations. This surge in litigation highlights the urgent need for climate action in the US.
Why It Matters
The heatwave in Europe and the surge in climate lawsuits in the US underscore the urgent need for climate action on both sides of the Atlantic. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a harsh reality that requires immediate attention and action. The consequences of inaction will be severe, from devastating heatwaves to catastrophic sea-level rise.
Key Facts
- Who: Europeans, Americans, and people around the world
- What: Record-breaking heatwave, surge in climate lawsuits
- When: Summer 2026
- Where: Europe, US
- Impact: Devastating heatwaves, catastrophic sea-level rise
What Experts Say
"The current heatwave in Europe is a wake-up call for climate action," said **Dr. Joana Setzer**, co-author of the London School of Economics analysis. "The surge in climate lawsuits in the US highlights the urgent need for climate action and the importance of preserving existing climate regulations."
Key Numbers
- 60,000: Number of people who died due to heat in Europe in 2022
- 20%: Percentage of climate cases filed in the US in 2025 aimed at preventing regulatory rollbacks
- 40°C (104°F): Temperature above which heatwaves become life-threatening
Background
The heatwave in Europe is the worst on record, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in many countries. France has been preparing for climate-fueled heatwaves for over two decades, with a national heat plan that includes a four-tiered alert system and measures to protect vulnerable residents. In the US, the Trump administration has rolled back numerous climate regulations, leading to a surge in climate lawsuits.
What Comes Next
As the heatwave in Europe continues and the surge in climate lawsuits in the US intensifies, the need for climate action has never been more urgent. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. The consequences of inaction will be severe, but with collective action, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future.
What's Happening
Europe is in the midst of its worst heatwave on record, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in many countries. The heatwave has already disrupted lives and livelihoods, with over 60,000 people dying due to heat in Europe in 2022. France, which has been preparing for climate-fueled heatwaves for over two decades, has activated its national heat plan, which includes a four-tiered alert system and measures to protect vulnerable residents.
In the US, a surge in climate lawsuits is underway in response to regulatory rollbacks by the Trump administration. According to a global analysis by the London School of Economics, 20% of climate cases filed in the US in 2025 were aimed at preventing the rollbacks of existing climate regulations. This surge in litigation highlights the urgent need for climate action in the US.
Why It Matters
The heatwave in Europe and the surge in climate lawsuits in the US underscore the urgent need for climate action on both sides of the Atlantic. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a harsh reality that requires immediate attention and action. The consequences of inaction will be severe, from devastating heatwaves to catastrophic sea-level rise.
Key Facts
- Who: Europeans, Americans, and people around the world
- What: Record-breaking heatwave, surge in climate lawsuits
- When: Summer 2026
- Where: Europe, US
- Impact: Devastating heatwaves, catastrophic sea-level rise
What Experts Say
"The current heatwave in Europe is a wake-up call for climate action," said **Dr. Joana Setzer**, co-author of the London School of Economics analysis. "The surge in climate lawsuits in the US highlights the urgent need for climate action and the importance of preserving existing climate regulations."
Key Numbers
- 60,000: Number of people who died due to heat in Europe in 2022
- 20%: Percentage of climate cases filed in the US in 2025 aimed at preventing regulatory rollbacks
- 40°C (104°F): Temperature above which heatwaves become life-threatening
Background
The heatwave in Europe is the worst on record, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in many countries. France has been preparing for climate-fueled heatwaves for over two decades, with a national heat plan that includes a four-tiered alert system and measures to protect vulnerable residents. In the US, the Trump administration has rolled back numerous climate regulations, leading to a surge in climate lawsuits.
What Comes Next
As the heatwave in Europe continues and the surge in climate lawsuits in the US intensifies, the need for climate action has never been more urgent. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. The consequences of inaction will be severe, but with collective action, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future.