European Heatwave
Super Heatwave
Lesson duration is: 30 minIntroduction
Items in this lesson
Super Heatwave
Yes
No
Are you aware of the European Super Heatwave?
Which words do you associate with a
heatwave?
2
minute
00
second
How do you feel about this news?
Learning Objectives
Explain what a heatwave is
Identify the role of climate change in the occurrence of extreme heat
Describe the specific effects of this heat on humans, animals, and society
Background
Where?
Across Western and Central Europe, heavily impacting nations like the UK, France, Spain, and Italy, with temperatures breaching 40°C in several continental cities.
Why?
Millions of European citizens, under-prepared national governments, climate scientists, and vulnerable populations facing severe infrastructure failure, transport shutdowns, and major health risks.
What?
A record-shattering 'heat-dome' striking Europe, smashing historic June temperature records, forcing red extreme heat warnings, and exposing severe climate vulnerability across nations.
Voeg hier je vraag toe
I love the heat!
I worry about vulnerable people
I hate feeling hot
I'm worried about climate change
Something else
What do you think about warm temperatures?
Background
Not Just a Warm Summer: Warm days are typical in summer. But such extremely hot days, with high temperatures lasting so long? That almost never happened in the past!
A Warm Blanket (Greenhouse Effect): Due to gases from factories and cars, the air around the earth acts like a warm blanket. This prevents the sun's heat from escaping easily.
The Earth is Warming Up: Scientists have found that the entire earth is gradually getting warmer. As a result, these kinds of extreme heatwaves are becoming much more frequent.
It's Becoming More Extreme: These super hot periods now last longer, it's more often dry, and it gets hotter than we are used to.
What do you already know about the
heatwave in Europe?
Why do
you think this is important news?
Europe
Large nature reserves and dry forests catch fire more easily, causing dangerous wildfires. Travelling through Europe also becomes more difficult due to the extreme heat.
The UK
UK infrastructure is not designed to cope with extreme heat. Cities, homes, railways, roads - all designed for more mild temperatures
What does this mean for...
The World
The weather is getting confused everywhere. Ice in cold places is melting, causing sea levels to rise. Some warm areas are becoming so hot that it's almost uninhabitable.
UK
EU
🌏
Pets
Pets, livestock and wild animals can suffer from heat stress.
High temperatures lead to drinking water shortages and pastures offer little natural shade.
Children
Children find it more difficult to lose their heat. They dehydrate more quickly, and the extreme heat leads to poorer concentration in the classroom.
What does this mean for the vulnerable?
Elderly
Older people are less likely to feel thirsty and also find it more difficult to regulate their body temperature. This leads to an increased risk of severe complaints caused by the heat.
Sleepvraag
What to do in the heat?
Drag the four correct measures to the ice cream.
Don't wait until you're thirsty; drink throughout the day. Drink water, or beverages that replenish salts.
Keep the heat out, close all windows and doors with curtains drawn. Only open up again in the evening.
Avoid the sun and physical exertion between 11:00 and 17:00. Stay in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces.
Cool your body with a lukewarm shower, wet towels on your neck, or hold your wrists under the cold tap.
Eat and drink meals and hot beverages as hot as possible. The outside temperature will then feel colder.
Do not succumb to the heat, but simply maintain your usual routine. You will naturally get used to the warmth.
Key Concepts
Super Heatwave
A period where the temperature reaches at least 30 degrees for five consecutive days, with three of those days being 35 degrees or warmer.
Red Weather Warning
The highest level weather warning issued. The weather can immediately
pose a life-threatening danger or cause extreme social disruption.
Climate Change
The weather on Earth is gradually changing. This is mainly due to human activities, such as exhaust emissions, resource extraction, and pollution.
Greenhouse Effect
The process by which gases in the air, such as CO2, absorb heat from the earth and send it back. This causes our planet to become warmer.
What question do you still have about this news?
News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events
