Europe’s Drought Crisis Deepens | Science News

Europe’s sweltering summer is turning deadly and devastating — record heat and a crippling drought are drying up rivers, wrecking crops, and claiming thousands of lives, especially among the elderly. Heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s accelerating aging and worsening health like chronic smoking. Despite improved emergency plans since 2003, Europe’s still lagging behind the climate’s accelerating pace. France faces its worst maize harvest in 50 years, Romania’s crops are vanishing, and food prices are set to soar — hitting the poorest hardest. Rivers like the Rhine are at historic lows, crippling shipping and hydropower. Scientists warn these extremes are already here with just 1.4°C of warming, and could become twice as common at 2.8°C — a grim forecast if emissions aren’t slashed fast. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0809c12c5f5cb8a1