heatwave season

New reporting highlights that the global heatwave season has quietly expanded by 39 days, with high-temperature periods now starting earlier in the year and ending later than they once did. The finding is being shared as fresh evidence of shifting climate patterns, prompting discussion about longer exposure to dangerous heat and the growing strain on health systems, infrastructure and summer planning.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says a lack of finance is the main obstacle to deploying solutions that help communities withstand extreme heat. The warning comes as heatwaves intensify worldwide, and it puts pressure on governments and lenders to fund adaptation measures such as cooling infrastructure and urban planning before the next severe heat season.

Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across France to demand stronger climate action. Organisers and participants expressed disappointment at the turnout, with one marcher saying: 'I wish there were more of us, after the summer we've just had' — a reference to the recent season of heatwaves and extreme weather. Demonstrators are calling on the French government to accelerate emissions reductions and strengthen environmental policy.