What's happened
Heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are hitting Europe and South America, causing record-breaking temperatures, wildfires, and heat-related deaths.
Why it matters
The heatwaves are significant as they are breaking temperature records, causing extreme weather events, and leading to an increase in heat-related deaths. These events highlight the ongoing impact of climate change and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
What the papers say
The Times reports that Europe is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures in Spain, Denmark, and the UK reaching unusually high levels. The Independent highlights the impact of the heatwave in South America, with countries like Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina recording their highest September temperatures. Al Jazeera discusses the record-breaking heatwave in Eastern Antarctica last year, which was attributed to unusual air circulation patterns. The Guardian and BBC News provide data on the increasing number of heat-related deaths in England and Wales, emphasizing the need for measures to address the impacts of extreme heat.
How we got here
The heatwaves in Europe and South America are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Rising global temperatures have led to record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires, and heat-related deaths in various regions.
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