Wildfires occur across Europe each summer, but the fires that swept through Spain and France in July 2026 ranked among the most destructive either country had experienced in decades. Some of the worst outbreaks developed in southwestern France’s Gironde Department and in Spain’s Ávila and Madrid provinces during the middle of the month. The fires […]

The Arctic’s frozen ground contains enormous stores of organic carbon. As permafrost thaws and coastlines erode, some of that carbon is carried into the ocean. There, microorganisms can break it down and release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Until now, scientists have had limited information about how much of this carbon returns to […]

This summer’s heat is human caused, not from El Niño – but the climate phenomenon is set to release pent-up ocean heat. Wildfires are burning in North America and Europe. Deadly heatwaves are suffocating cities and the world’s oceans are the hottest ever recorded for this time of year. A strengthening El Niño is forecast […]

Fire tornadoes can rapidly change fire behaviour and make firefighting more dangerous. Europe’s record-breaking hot and dry summer is fuelling major wildfires, with France and Greece among the countries battling large blazes. Scientists say some of these fires are producing an unusual and dangerous phenomenon known as a fire whirl, or fire tornado, in which […]

Spraying buildings with water collected from rooftops could help cities reduce the impact of heatwaves, a study has found. Using sprinklers in hot weather to distribute rainwater stored in water butts could cut air conditioning use and lower urban temperatures, according to research from the University of Manchester. Rising temperatures globally are putting pressure on […]