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Europe's june heatwave killed up to 14,000 people, officials confirm

Western Europe's June heatwave killed up to 14,000 people across six countries, with France alone reporting 5,764 excess deaths. June 2026 was the hottest June on record for Western Europe, with average temperatures 3.2C above normal. Scientists warn Europe is warming faster than any other continent.

Major Colorado River reservoir drops to perilously low levels amid drought and demand

A major Colorado River reservoir has dropped to perilously low levels, raising alarms about water supplies for millions of people across the southwestern United States. The decline reflects the combined pressures of a prolonged drought worsened by climate change, growing demand from cities and agriculture, and the energy-intensive operations of data centers expanding across the region. The situation has forced federal officials to consider emergency measures, including potential cuts to water allocations for Arizona, Nevada, and California. The crisis comes as the Trump administration faces criticism for spending billions on energy projects without delivering the promised electricity boom.

Earth's waters are losing oxygen at alarming rate, scientists warn

Oxygen is disappearing from oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters at an accelerating rate, threatening aquatic life and weakening natural processes that regulate Earth's climate, scientists warn. The widespread deoxygenation is closely linked to warming, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Separately, thousands have fled wildfires in southern France as extreme heat grips Europe, and Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana.

Spain's largest wildfire of 2026 burns for fifth day as new heatwave approaches

A massive wildfire in Spain's central Guadalajara province has burned for a fifth day, scorching over 26,000 hectares and forcing the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents. The La Mierla blaze has become the largest wildfire in Spain this year, with nearly 30 communities under threat. Forecasters warn an approaching heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C will raise fire risks across much of the country.

Spain battles largest wildfire of the year as Danube hits 30-year low

Spain is battling its largest wildfire of the year, which has burned for five days as a new heatwave looms. The fire has consumed more than 38,000 acres in northern Spain, forcing evacuations of multiple hamlets. Meanwhile, Danube River water levels in Romania have fallen to their lowest in 30 years, hampering farming and shipping. Canadian wildfires continue to blanket parts of the United States with smoke, triggering air quality alerts across the Midwest.

Canadian wildfire smoke blankets US cities as lawmakers accuse Canada of inaction

Thick smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has blanketed major US cities including Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Washington DC, triggering hazardous air quality alerts. Four Republican lawmakers from Michigan accused Canada of failing to prevent the cross-border smoke, warning of possible US intervention. Nearly 3 million hectares of land has burned, with over 890 active fires. Canadian PM Mark Carney said climate change is a shared responsibility. Air quality in Chicago was ranked the worst in the world.