Mediterranean heatwave exacerbated by climate change forces Olympics to adapt
By the Climate Centre
The extreme heat that has been affecting large parts of Europe and North Africa would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change, a new rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution found.
Temperatures were pushed up more than 3°C in a regional heatwave of a kind “now relatively common” and likely to become even more frequent.
“Mediterranean countries have endured dangerous heat which widely surpassed 40°C during July,” a WWA press release said yesterday.
“The scorching temperatures killed at least 21 people in Morocco, increased the spread of wildfires in Portugal and Greece, worsened water shortages in Italy and Spain, and put athletes and fans at risk at the Olympics,” it adds.
The French Red Cross, which has a large number of volunteers assisting at Olympic venues (photo), has used social media to emphasize advice to the public on how to stay safe during the heatwave.
Misting sprays
The Climate Centre’s Roop Singh said: “Heatwaves are the deadliest type of extreme weather. People who spend time outdoors are more exposed to dangerous heat, including the athletes and spectators at the Olympics this week.
“Cities across southern Europe are implementing heat-action plans to reduce risks. These plans need to be in place in every city to protect the most vulnerable.”
At the games themselves, competitors in outdoor events have trimmed warm-up routines and taken longer breaks while the French authorities have provided misting sprays and free drinking-water on bus and metro networks.
Media reports quote French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal as calling on people to limit outdoor activities during the day, hydrate, find shade and protect the elderly and young children. He said Olympic organizers were following the “severe heatwave” closely.
The latest WWA study was conducted by researchers from universities and meteorological agencies in the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the US.
After months of preparation, mobilization, work, and training, “the entire French Red Cross took on the challenge of one of the world’s greatest sporting adventures,” the National Society said, with volunteers here pictured on the Pont du Carrousel. An early issue was the torrential rain that quickly gave way to searing heat – on the edge of a lingering heatwave affecting large parts of Europe and North Africa that would have been impossible without climate change, a study found. (Photo: Guillaume Binet/CRF)