The extreme temperatures “sweeping the global this week are the new normal in a world warmed by climate change”, BBC News reports, citing UN agency the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The broadcaster notes that temperatures went over 50C in parts of the US and China on Sunday. It explains: “Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves longer, more intense and more frequent.” It quotes WMO head Petteri Tallas saying: “The extreme weather – an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate – is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies…We have to step up efforts to help society adapt to what is unfortunately becoming the new normal.” This year is “set to be the hottest on record for Earth, scientists said”, according to the Independent. Extreme heatwaves around the world have sparked wildfires and health warnings, says Le Monde. The New York Times has a global map of extreme heat. A New York Times article says: “Punishing heat waves gripped three continents on Tuesday”. (Carbon Brief analysis of global media coverage suggests every continent on Earth has been affected by extreme weather in recent days.)

The intensifying heatwaves in Europe, Asia and the US have prompted health warnings from the WMO, Reuters reports. A Reuters Q&A explores the health risks of extreme heat, including heat exhaustion and stroke. Italian hospitals “report sharp rise in emergency cases as Rome hits 41.8C”, the Guardian says. The Times reports on the heatwave with the headline: “‘It feels like you’re dying’: at the heart of Europe’s heat storm.” The Associated Press and Grist have launched a new series on climate change and human health. The Hill also reports on the WMO health warnings.

The Financial Times has an article titled: “Scorching Europe struggles to adapt to near-record temperatures.” The paper says: “As temperatures reached near record highs across the Mediterranean, the European weather forecasting agency warned that the continent should brace for more intense and longer lasting heatwaves.” It quotes Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, saying: “We do expect heatwaves, such as the ones that affected Europe last summer or the one currently ongoing, to become more intense and to last longer because of climate change.” Another Reuters article is titled: “Europe’s sweltering summer could send tourists to cooler climes.” The Independent asks what is driving the extreme temperatures: “Dr Akshay Deoras, meteorologist at the University of Reading, says while it isn’t unusual for the northern hemisphere to experience heat at this time of the year, the temperatures seen in Europe are definitely unusual.” It quotes Deoras saying: “The simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves in different regions of the world as well as their forecasted intensity fits well with the anticipated impact of climate change on global temperatures.”

The i newspaper has analysis on why heatwaves in Europe are “becoming stronger and longer”. It says: “While short term factors are helping to drive current extreme weather, climate change is making the problem much more likely and much worse.” The New York Times talks to former US president Al Gore about “extreme heat and the fight against fossil fuels”. Axios says the UN special envoy for global food security has told the outlet he is “very concerned” about the impacts of El Niño on crop production. The New York Times reports: “The economic impact of the pitiless heat wave that is scorching southern Europe, the United States and much of the Northern Hemisphere may be short-lived in most spots, with the temporary closure of tourist sites, the abandonment of outdoor dining and a rise in electricity use related to air-conditioning. But over the longer term, the economic fallout caused by climate change is likely to be profound.” Inside Climate News reports: “A strengthening El Niño is pushing temperatures in countries around the world to record highs this month, exacerbating unprecedented heat waves and triggering deadly storms in ways that scientists say wouldn’t be possible without the influence of climate change.”

Reporting around the world continues to cover extreme weather events. In India, further flash floods in the state of Assam have killed eight people, Reuters reports. Indian farmers are “worr[ied] despite ‘average’ monsoon rains”, Reuters reports, explaining: “While average monsoon rains are ordinarily good for Indian farmers, uneven distribution this year has created new worries.”

In Syria, firefighters were “struggl[ing] to contain” multiple wildfires as temperatures reached as high as 40C in parts of the country, Reuters reports. Two wildfires “swept uncontrolled through forestland and towns northwest of Athens for a second day on Tuesday”, Reuters reports. A further Reuters article says the fires in Greece were burning for a third day today, as firefighting aircraft were sent from Italy and France to help tackle the blazes. Firefighters are also battling a forest fire in Switzerland, with winds making it hard to contain, reports Reuters. The New York Times has a feature on “how Canada’s record wildfires got so bad, so fast”.

The temperature at Beijing Nanjiao Observatory recorded a temperature of 35C, marking the “27th high-temperature day” in Beijing this year, reports Xinhua. Reuters says Beijing has broken its record for the number of days in a year above 35C, with 27 so far in 2023. The Global Times front page features typhoon Talim, saying it “makes landfall” in southern China’s Guangdong province. China’s National Meteorological Center says that Talim would “bring about strong winds and heavy rainfall” to some provinces in south China, according to the paper. The South China Morning Post front page also features Talim. CNN writes that in July “torrential rains” “inundated” Japan, China, South Korea and India, disrupting the lives of millions and resulting in flash floods, landslides, and power outages. The website Earth.org has an article, titled “Temperatures surpass 45C in China and US amid fierce heatwave”. An editorial by the state-run Global Times writes that “an extreme heat wave is likely to be another major challenge facing the Chinese economy, which has been endeavouring to achieve coordination between climate change and the realistic tasks of economic and social development”. Tourists have “flocked to China’s scenic Flaming Mountains this week to experience searing high temperatures”, says another Reuters article. 

A Reuters “factbox” explains how the US has been “hit by blazing heat, smoky air [and a] tropical storm all at once”. The Washington Post says the city of Phoenix in Arizona “hits record for 19th day of 110F+ [43C] in a row – with more ahead”. Electricity demand in Texas “hit a record high for a second straight day on Tuesday as homes and businesses cranked up air conditioners”, says Reuters. Demand also hit a record in Arizona, Reuters reports. Miami in Florida has broken records for heat, says Axios. Another Axios article says: “This summer’s extreme weather across the US has been a vivid reminder that no corner of the country is immune to the effects of a rapidly warming planet.” The Hill says US president Joe Biden “has approved additional aid to Vermont after a round of severe storms and flooding hit the region”.

The Press Association reports: “Areas with fewer trees and green spaces are up to 5C warmer during the UK’s hottest days, analysis suggests.” Newsnight looks at “evidence that global warming could be contributing to the cost of living crisis”, via extreme weather impacts on crops. The Independent reports: “There are lower chances of the UK’s temperature climbing up to 40C after days of unsettled July weather.” The Daily Telegraph says the summer Olympics “may eventually be forced away from its traditional slot at the height of the season due to soaring temperatures”. Another Daily Telegraph article reports: “As extreme heat and wildfires hit Europe, experts look to Bangladesh for climate change advice.”

The state news agency Xinhua reports that Chinese premier Li Qiang met with the US special climate envoy John Kerry on Tuesday morning. Li said that strengthening cooperation between the two countries will “not only benefit each other, but also the whole world”, the news agency says, quoting Li adding that “developed countries should take the lead in emissions reduction and fulfil their financial commitments as early as possible, while developing countries should make contributions within their capabilities”. It quotes Li concluding that he hopes “two sides will…explore more pragmatic mechanisms for cooperation, and promote the multilateral climate governance process to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement”. According to Xinhua, Kerry said that “the US hopes to maintain stability in the US-China relations and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address urgent global challenges such as climate change, aiming to promote the success of the COP28”. Wang Yi, a senior diplomat, also met with John Kerry on Tuesday, Xinhua reports, saying Wang said that “China is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the US, explore mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly address climate change”. Bloomberg covers Kerry’s visit in a story that also reports: “President Xi Jinping warned the nation won’t have its path to curb emissions dictated by others.” It continues: “China remains committed to its goal to peak emissions by the end of the decade and to hit net-zero by 2060, though ‘the path, method, pace and intensity to achieve this goal should and must be determined by ourselves, and will never be influenced by others,’ Xi said Tuesday at a national conference on environmental protection, according to state broadcaster China Central Television.”

Reuters has an article on “what to watch for in the China-US climate talks this week”. It lists climate funding, methane cooperation, solar traffics, among other areas. Another Reuters article reports: “Climate change is a ‘universal threat’ that should be handled separately from broader diplomatic issues, US climate envoy John Kerry told Chinese vice president Han Zheng on Wednesday after two days of what he called constructive but complex talks.” CNN has an interview with Bernice Lee from Chatham House on whether talks will “produce concrete action”. The Guardian has analysis on the visit titled: “John Kerry aims to put China tensions aside at crucial climate talks.” The New York Times says the extreme heat in China (see above) “has become a talking point” during Kerry’s meetings in Beijing. The Hill also covers Kerry’s visit.

In other news, a Chinese outlet China Economic Network carries a piece written by Hu Hanzhou, an official from China’s National Statistics Bureau. He says that due to recent high temperatures, there has been an increase in energy demand for daily living, leading to a “significant rise” in energy consumption. IN-EN.com, an energy website, has an article saying that Chinese central enterprises are the driving force of electrification. Chinese financial outlet Caixin writes that around 15% of China’s existing stock of green bonds have received certification under the China-EU “common classification catalogue”.

British prime minister Rishi Sunak has been “urged to focus on delivering Britain’s net-zero goal by big businesses”, the Times reports. It says: “Household names including Tesco, BT, the British Gas owner Centrica, M&S, Unilever and Amazon are among 104 companies that have said in a letter to the prime minister that he needs to show leadership on a green economy agenda.” It continues: “The letter is a significant public intervention by businesses frustrated that private overtures have not borne fruit…As some of the UK’s largest businesses, the companies said they saw the 2050 net-zero goal as a ‘massive economic opportunity’…They warned that Britain risks missing out in investment at a time when the EU and the US have put forward stronger decarbonisation plans.” Politico reports new polling showing that: “climate and the environment were cited as the third most important issue among voters, with concern at a six-month high”.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Chris O’Shea, the chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, writes under the headline: “Britain must not squander its first-mover advantage on net-zero.” The Daily Telegraph also carries a news article on O’Shea’s comments, focusing on his support for hydrogen heating. The piece is titled: “Hydrogen heating revolution feared over before it has begun.” BusinessGreen reports: “Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the trade body for the UK’s oil and gas companies and contractors, has today announced the sector could invest £200bn in technologies and projects critical to delivering on climate targets by the end of this decade – provided the government enables new oil and gas fields as well as offshore wind projects.”

Meanwhile, BBC News reports that Tata, the Indian owner of carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, “will announce plans to build its flagship electric car battery factory in the UK”. The broadcaster says: “People familiar with the matter said the new plant in Somerset would be officially announced on Wednesday. The government is providing subsidies worth hundreds of millions of pounds, sources said.” Reuters also has the story, citing a “source”. City AM also has the story. Elsewhere, City AM reports that the “Viking Link” electricity cable connecting the UK to Denmark has been completed.

In other news from the UK, the Press Association covers a report from right-of-centre thinktank Onward: “The government should force developers of wind, solar and grid infrastructure to invest in local communities, a thinktank has said.” A comment for the Guardian by Prof Rebecca Willis of Lancaster University writes under the headline: “Locals in this British seaside town could revolutionise green energy – if the government lets them.” She says residents of Whitehaven, the Cumbrian town better known as the site of a planned new coal mine, could part-own a new windfarm. She says the proposed “Project Collette, a £3bn proposal for a windfarm off the Cumbrian coast to be part-owned by the local community”, could “build the political support and engagement that is so vital to reaching our climate targets”. Politico reports: “Former COP26 president Alok Sharma has revived a rebellion that is pushing for the de-facto ban on onshore wind to be reversed. Sharma has submitted an amendment to the Energy Bill signed by 21 Tory MPs – including Liz Truss, and Playbook hears more are now considering adding their names.”

There is continued coverage of the UK government’s competition to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), with Reuters saying the aim is “to see them operating in the country by the early 2030’s”. It reports: “From Tuesday, companies can register their interest in the government’s SMR competition. The new Great British Nuclear body, also launched on Tuesday, will select technologies that have met the criteria later this year.” The newswire quotes energy secretary Grant Shapps saying: “I would expect to see them (the projects) in the 2030s, hopefully the early 2030s.” It adds: “Selected companies will start discussions as part of an Invitation to Negotiate phase, with a final investment decision to be taken in 2029, Shapps said…Shapps said the competition could unlock up to £20bn of funding but said there was no commitment for that amount to be spent.” The Guardian coverage is headlined: “Grant Shapps earmarks £20bn for new fleet of nuclear reactors in UK.” The Politico headline is: “UK government bets on small-scale nuclear.” A comment for the Guardian by Nils Pratley, the paper’s financial editor, is titled: “Small nuclear reactors are a big, but sensible, step forward – now get on with it.” Separately, City AM reports: “Shapps confident Sizewell C nuclear project will find investors.”

Global electricity demand is expected to slow in 2023 but rebound next year, according to a new outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA) covered by Reuters. The newswire says: “The Paris-based agency predicted renewable energy would cover the expected growth this year and next and power from renewable sources would exceed one third of the total global power supply for the first time next year.” It continues: “The renewable growth should help to cut global emissions, as emissions increases in China and India are expected to be offset by declines in other countries where renewable deployment is growing and natural gas continues to replace coal, the IEA said.”

Reuters covers a new G20 report that proposes reforms at multilateral development banks (MDBs) to target poverty and climate change challenges, economists Lawrence Summers and NK Singh were commissioned by the G20 to set forward reforms. According to the news wire, a panel, led by economists Lawrence Summers and NK Singh, concluded that “MDBs must become effective agents in all developing countries for integrating the development and climate change agendas”. Excluding China, the panel concluded that developing nations “must” spend an additional $3tn yearly by 2030 to reach sufficient investments in climate action and achieve their development goals, the article continues. According to the report, institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, “must” work with governments and the private sector to limit, share and control risks, therefore reducing the cost of capital, the article notes. Separately, the Times of India reports: “Developed countries have said this year, for the first time, they are expecting to meet the goal of jointly mobilising $100bn to help climate change mitigation action by developing countries.”

An editorial in the Guardian comments on heatwaves in Europe, as well as extreme weather around the world: “Global heating is not the sole explanation for the hellish impact of Cerberus and Charon, the heatwaves named after mythical denizens of Hades. As in 2016 – the hottest year ever recorded – an emerging El Niño weather pattern is helping drive the barometer upwards. But each time this natural and sporadic event recurs, typically adding 0.2C to the average global temperature, it heats up a planet that is already warmer than before as a result of greenhouse gas emissions.” The paper continues: “Loss of life, mass migration, crop losses and soaring food prices as a result of extreme weather are already a stark new reality. Worse is almost certainly to come.” It concludes: “Time really is running out; progressive politicians need to rediscover the courage of their convictions and a sense of urgency.” Also in the Guardian, author and journalist Gaia Vince has a comment saying: “It is easy to despair as we leave one geological epoch and enter another. Our situation is dire, but we can address it.”

The Daily Telegraph has a different take, giving climate-sceptic columnist Allison Pearson space to write under the headline: “First it was Covid – now we’re being scared into submission over the weather.” Pearson says: “There’s no denying it’s hot in Europe, but it feels like sunshine is being weaponised in a bid to get us to adjust our ways to hit net-zero.” Also in the Daily Telegraph, climate-sceptic Conservative peer Peter Lilley writes under the headline: “What on earth is a climate refugee?” He says: “This vague term can be used to justify both opening our borders and centrally planning our economy to attain net-zero.” In the Times, columnist Roger Boyes argues: “Europe’s lurch to right is not all about migrants.” He says: “Enraged by green targets and inflation, voters across the Channel are turning to angry politics.”

An editorial in the Washington Post reflects on thawing relations between the US and China, including the ongoing visit to Beijing by US climate envoy John Kerry. It says: “So far, this flurry of talks has not led to any real breakthroughs, and most analysts are playing down expectations…But even talks themselves are a good thing.” It continues: “Consider climate: Beijing, in a fit of pique over the [Nancy] Pelosi [speaker of the house] visit [to Taiwan], cut off climate talks, meaning the world’s two largest economies (and its two largest polluters) had no direct high-level exchanges just as global temperatures reached their highest levels ever recorded. That is fiddling while the world burns.” It concludes: “Bilateral talks are important for reopening channels of communication, understanding each others’ intentions, and not allowing misunderstandings to fester and lead to potentially disastrous consequences…Dialogue is also important for establishing a floor for when relations again spiral downward. And there will be more thorny issues ahead, with some coming relatively soon…Breakthroughs might still come, with more hard work. But for now, let’s keep talking.”

In the Financial Times, Pilita Clark, associated editor and business columnist, asks: “What should an oil company like ExxonMobil do about the alarming spate of heatwaves, rainstorms and wildfires raging across the world?” She writes: “These questions are more acute than ever for any company whose financial lifeblood comes from fossil fuels – the oil, gas and coal that are by far the largest contributors to global warming.” Clark continues: “There is a strong case for oil majors to break themselves up into separate green and fossil fuel businesses to better expose the value of green ventures. At the very least they should do more to stop leaks of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Ultimately though, we should not expect the fossil fuel industry to lead us out of a crisis caused by fossil fuels. Only governments have the power to cut demand for these fuels, and their job has barely started.”

As part of a Financial Times special report on national security, Meghan L O’Sullivan of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government writes under the headline: “Climate action in an era of great power competition.” She says it is “folly and irresponsible to expect cooperation will be the primary route to deliver change”.

Increasing awareness about the impacts of heat on sport participation is imperative to reduce the negative impacts on athletes’ health and performance, according to new research. Using semi-structured interviews, the authors examined the perceptions, experiences and responses to extreme heat in 14 elite athletes in the UK, Australia, US, Sweden and Canada. The athletes – representing sports including race walking, netball and cricket – expressed concerns for the well-being of athletes and spectators, and how experience of extreme heat affects preparedness. Other concerns centred on the impact of heat on facilities and participation at the grassroots level, and how the nature of sport may change in the future.