Description: Extreme heatwaves across Europe have caused crises across numerous countries, affecting crucial national systems such as healthcare, energy, transportation and infrastructure. Italy announced a state of emergency in 27 provinces warning of the effects of the extreme weather which impacted its seasonal tourism. France has battled with raging wildfires in several provinces where more than 61 square kilometers of forest has burned so far. Romania and Hungary are faced with historically low water levels in the Danube which is used for cooling the civil nuclear reactors. Both Budapest and Bucharest have imposed strict power saving decrees and sought emergency measures to cool the reactors down. Austria has also reached record – breaking temperatures with an unprepared infrastructure for extreme heat and cautioned citizens from exposing themselves during peak sun hours. Germany experiences record – low water levels in the Rhine, which has significantly affected shipping throughout the river and strained one of Europe’s vital supply chain routes.
Impact: The effects of climate change are highly likely going to translate into national strategic priorities for European countries in the mid to long – term, considering the economic, environmental and social impacts of the extreme heatwaves across the continent. The extreme weather conditions are likely to deteriorate for years to come due to decades of global environmental neglect which would highly likely impact crucial industries such as energy, infrastructure development, tourism, transportation and manufacturing. The weather conditions are also highly likely threatening critical eco systems due to record – low levels of water in large rivers such as Danube and Rhine and impose additional risks to nuclear power plants since the rivers are the only coolant source for the plants. European countries would highly likely expand environmental regulations, develop crucial infrastructure for battling extreme weather, diversify energy resources and develop alternatives in the supply chain industries in the mid to long – term period.