Europe Faces Record Heat: Eiffel Tower Partially Closes, Swiss Reactor Shuts Down

Extreme temperatures swept across Europe on Wednesday, prompting several countries to issue heat alerts. In an unprecedented move, France partially closed the Eiffel Tower, while Switzerland’s Axpo energy company shut down a reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant. Tragically, two individuals in Spain lost their lives due to the ongoing heatwave.

In Switzerland, the Beznau nuclear power plant faced operational challenges due to high water temperatures in the River Aare. The plant, which relies on the river for cooling water, was forced to reduce its output as Swiss regulations prohibit usage when temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) to protect aquatic life. “Due to the high river water temperatures, Axpo has been increasingly reducing the output of the two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant for days,” the company stated, noting that one reactor was operating at half capacity.

France’s Heatwave Response

Meanwhile, France’s national weather service issued a rare red alert for four regions, anticipating the heatwave to persist until 9 p.m. local time. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower’s top level was closed to visitors as a precautionary measure. The structure’s iron expands and tilts slightly in high temperatures, though officials assured that its integrity remains unaffected. French Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher reported over 300 weather-related emergencies addressed by firefighters.

Spain’s Struggle with Wildfires

Spain’s Catalonia region faced devastating wildfires, resulting in two fatalities. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences and gratitude towards emergency services battling the flames. “In these months of heightened risk, please let us take extreme precautions,” Sánchez urged citizens. Catalonia’s civil protection services warned of a “high risk of forest fires” in additional areas as Spain recorded its hottest June, with temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F) in some cities.

Heatwave Impact Across Europe

The United Kingdom also experienced record temperatures, with last month’s mean temperature of 16.9°C (62°F) marking the second warmest June since 1884. Studies attribute the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change. The World Meteorological Organization warns that as global temperatures rise, such extremes will become more common.

Europe, identified as the fastest-warming continent by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, is heating at twice the global average speed. On Monday, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the need for climate adaptation, advocating for a shift away from fossil fuels. “Rising temperatures, rising seas, floods, droughts, and wildfires threaten our rights to life, to health, to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and much more,” Turk stated.

Italy and Turkey’s Heatwave Challenges

In Italy, the Health Ministry issued red alerts for 16 cities, including Rome and Milan. Citizens in 13 regions were advised to avoid outdoor work during peak heat. Two heat-related deaths were reported, including a construction worker near Bologna. In Turkey, wildfires led to the evacuation of over 50,000 people, as reported by the AFAD emergency management authority.

The Science Behind the Heatwave

The current heatwave is attributed to a “heat dome,” a high-pressure system trapping hot air from northern Africa over western Europe. This phenomenon, similar to a lid on a boiling pot, can persist for days or weeks, exacerbating heat and humidity levels.

As Europe grapples with these extreme conditions, the urgency for comprehensive climate action becomes increasingly evident. The ongoing heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, urging nations to prioritize sustainable practices and resilience strategies.