Environment & Climate
The European Green Deal, energy transition, oceans and the climate policy behind the headlines.
Balkan wildfires rage as Europe's heatwave strains rivers and energy
Firefighters in Serbia battle blazes in nature reserves and pine forests as temperatures hit 40°C. Record-low Danube water levels force Hung
How a fire-seeking beetle could improve wildfire detection
The black fire beetle flies toward forest fires to lay its eggs, detecting blazes from up to 80 km away. Its heat-sensing organs are inspiri
Poland's coal plants falter as Vistula drought exposes fossil fuel fragility
Poland's coal-fired power plants have cut output as the Vistula River hits critically low levels. The crisis underscores the fragility of fo
Swiss glaciers melt at record pace as heatwaves strip protective snow
The Rhône Glacier in southern Switzerland has lost more than four metres of ice in a single month after successive heatwaves. GLAMOS reports
Wildfire near Narbonne scorches 100 hectares as France battles summer blazes
A wildfire near Narbonne in southern France has scorched about 100 hectares. Canadair planes and helicopters are working to contain the blaz
Alsace farmers bet on pulses as drought reshapes agriculture
Faced with recurring heatwaves, four farmers near Strasbourg have switched to drought-resistant pulses. Their cooperative, Graines d'Alsace,
Europe heatwave: Italy on red alert, Austria sets record
Italy placed all 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert. Austria recorded its hottest day ever at 41.2°C. The heat is disrupting n
Record-low Danube strands boats and exposes sandbanks in Serbia
The Danube in Serbia has hit a record low, stranding boats and exposing sandbanks. River traffic is disrupted, and authorities are monitorin
El Niño and ocean heat could push 2026 into record-breaking warmth
Forecasts point to a powerful El Niño that could release pent-up ocean heat, making 2026 a record-breaking year. Climate scientists say huma
Paks restart nears as Danube recovery eases Hungary's power fears
Danube water levels are recovering, raising hopes for a swift restart of Hungary's Paks nuclear plant. Prime Minister Péter Magyar reports l
Germany's oldest tree: 1,100-year-old yew found in the Allgäu
A yew tree on a remote Alpine meadow in the Allgäu is estimated to be around 1,100 years old, making it Germany's oldest known tree. It surp
EU shifts wildfire strategy from response to prevention
The EU is overhauling its wildfire strategy, prioritizing prevention over response after record-breaking seasons. New funding and tools aim