During a video address at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference, US Energy Secretary criticized Europe’s reaction to the ongoing heatwave, stating that winter leads to more fatalities than summer heat. “More people die in winter than in summer because cold is a much greater killer than heat,” he asserted.
He referenced the increased mortality rates in Europe during winter 2022, which were exacerbated by the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe is grappling with unprecedented heat, prompting school closures, adjustments to public transport, and increased pressure on energy systems. In France, there have been multiple drowning incidents as individuals attempt to cool off.
Wright described climate change as a “slow process” and urged European nations to stop complaining about the heat, emphasizing that the response should be more measured. Experts warn that the impacts of heatwaves are intensified by climate change, posing a growing threat to public health.
Context
- Europe is experiencing the most intense heatwave recorded, with temperatures in several countries exceeding 40 °C, leading governments to elevate their preparedness levels.
- In various countries, the consequences of abnormal weather have been noted: in Germany, heat has damaged road surfaces, while the Netherlands and Italy anticipate extreme temperatures of up to 40 °C. Scientists link the heatwave to an ‘omega block’ phenomenon that traps hot air in the region, asserting that such extreme heat would be nearly impossible without human-induced climate change.
