Odvetnik opozarja, da se pričakuje, da bo El Niño "zlomil vse rekorde"

Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record in 2026, as a series of intense heatwaves swept across the region, exacerbating already dire environmental conditions. According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Monitoring Service, the average temperature in western Europe reached 20.74°C, surpassing the 1991–2020 norm by more than 3°C. This marked a significant increase compared to the previous record set in June 2025. Globally, June 2026 was 0.56°C hotter than the 1991–2020 average and 1.39°C above preindustrial levels, making it the second-warmest June on record. These figures highlight the escalating impact of climate change, with the planet's oceans reaching unprecedented temperatures, influenced by both rising global temperatures and the ongoing El Niño weather pattern.

The heatwaves have brought with them a host of challenges, including widespread wildfires that have devastated regions in France and Spain. The European Forest Fire Information System reported that wildfires in the EU burned 56% more land than usual, with areas affected in France and Spain being significantly larger than historical averages. In France alone, 35,400 hectares of land were consumed by fires, while in Spain, 55,128 hectares were lost. The situation has prompted emergency responses from the EU, with firefighting resources being deployed to assist overwhelmed national services. The severity of the fires has been exacerbated by the dry conditions, which have created ideal conditions for rapid spread of flames.

In addition to the wildfires, the heatwaves have taken a toll on public health. In France, a 22-year-old firefighter tragically lost his life while battling a blaze in the Alps. Meanwhile, in Spain, Barcelona recorded a new heat record of 40.5°C, underscoring the extreme temperatures being experienced. The UK, too, has felt the effects of the heatwaves, with the Met Office issuing warnings about an "extreme" marine heatwave affecting the seas. Daytime temperatures in the UK are expected to reach 34°C, although these are lower than the record-breaking temperatures seen in June. However, the prolonged duration of the heatwave poses additional risks, particularly concerning the spread of wildfires, with the National Fire Chiefs Council urging caution among the public.

The heatwaves have also highlighted the broader implications of climate change, with scientists emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of global warming. Samantha Burgess, a climate scientist at Copernicus, noted that the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are indicative of a climate system that is accumulating heat. She warned that these developments pose growing risks to people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The situation is compounded by the fact that Europe is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, partly due to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that are becoming more pronounced as the planet warms.

As the heatwaves continue to unfold, the focus shifts to the potential consequences of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to further amplify the effects of global warming. Experts warn that the combination of El Niño and climate change could lead to more extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and intensified heatwaves. With the World Health Organization predicting "more deadly weeks" ahead, the urgency for adaptive strategies and mitigation efforts becomes even more pressing. As the world grapples with these challenges, the need for immediate and sustained action to address the root causes of climate change remains paramount.