Europe Experiencing Record-Breaking Heatwave
Large parts of Europe are experiencing an exceptionally severe heatwave, with temperatures breaking records across several countries.
A new analysis by World Weather Attribution has found that a heatwave of this severity would have been “virtually impossible” 50 years ago. Scientists say human-caused climate change has made extreme heat events significantly more likely.
Researchers compared the current heatwave with major European heatwaves in 1976 and 2003. They found that an event like this would have been extremely unlikely in the cooler climate of 1976, while compared with 2003, heatwaves of this severity are now tens to hundreds of times more likely.
The findings provide another clear example of how a warming climate is changing the weather we experience, with extreme heat becoming more frequent and intense.
As temperatures continue to rise, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking action to tackle climate change is more important than ever.
Mangrove Forests Are Making a Comeback
There is some positive news for our planet’s coastal ecosystems. Scientists have found that mangrove forests are now growing globally after decades of decline.
Mangroves are incredibly important. They protect coastal communities from storms and flooding while also absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide.
For many years, mangrove forests were being destroyed to make way for fish farms, housing and other developments. However, since 2010, the world has gained more mangrove forest than it has lost. Stronger legal protection and greater awareness of their importance have helped drive this change.
One of the most encouraging findings is that mangroves have an amazing ability to regenerate naturally when people stop cutting them down.
Fine out more here
New Hope for Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs
Scientists have discovered that climate-resilient coral reefs may be far more widespread than previously thought, offering hope for the future of our oceans.
Researchers analysed more than 45,000 coral surveys alongside decades of climate and ocean data. They identified almost 166,000 square kilometres of coral reefs across 71 countries and 100 territories that may have the ability to survive and recover from the impacts of climate change.
This is particularly important as coral reefs are facing increasing threats from rising ocean temperatures and mass coral bleaching. Between 2023 and 2025, extreme heat affected almost 84% of the world’s coral reef area.
The discovery of these resilient reefs highlights the importance of protecting and conserving areas that could act as refuges for coral and marine life as our climate continues to change.
While coral reefs remain under serious threat, identifying places with greater natural resilience gives scientists and conservationists valuable opportunities to focus protection and restoration efforts where they could have the greatest impact.