Much of Europe sweltered in August 2025 as a heat dome spread across the continent, pushing peak afternoon temperatures to over 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) in France and Spain. Meanwhile, parts of Greece, Turkey and Albania battled historic and devastating wildfires as high temperatures scorch the land.

Deadly summer heat waves have become the new norm in recent years for Europe, the world's fastest-warming continent. With air conditioning in only 20% of the Europe's buildings, city leaders face a pressing dilemma: how to keep people cool without worsening the climate crisis driving rising temperatures in the first place.

From the document.