In Europe, which has been hit by an unusual heat wave, wildfire extinguishing activities continued on the 20th of July. There are increasing calls from scientists and others to strengthen climate change countermeasures.


In Tuscany, central Italy, a forest fire exploded a gas tank and evacuated hundreds of people. In Greece, a fire struck by strong winds spread in the mountains of northern Athens, evacuating hundreds of people.


The record heat that hit parts of the Mediterranean coast last week has once eased, but temperatures are rising again in Portugal, Spain, and Italy.


Portuguese officials said large-scale wildfires, especially in northern Mursa, would be difficult to extinguish due to rising temperatures and strong winds. The fire has burned 10,000 to 12,000 hectares since the 17th of July.


Wildfires have occurred in several areas in Italy, and there is a risk of power outages and water outages in northeastern Trieste. In 14 metropolitan areas such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, the highest level heat wave warning is expected to be issued on the 21st of July. Temperatures are projected to reach 40 degrees Celsius this week, over a wide area in the north and central regions.


The UK's top science and technology agency, which recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for the first time on the 19th, warned that the UK could be hit by similar heat waves every three years if greenhouse gas emissions were not reduced. ..


French President Emmanuel Macron also said that climate change has led to an increase in wildfires, forcing France and the European Union (EU) to make "structural decisions in the next few years."