Deadly heatwave hits Europe: BBC Learning English from the News

TL;DR

Europe faces extreme heatwave, causing deaths and evacuations.

Transcript

From BBC Learning English, this is Learning English from the News, our podcast about the news headlines. In this programme: Deadly heatwave hits Europe. Hello, I'm Beth. And I'm Phil. In this programme, we look at one big news story and the vocabulary in the headlines that will help you understand it. You can find all the vocabulary and headlines f... Read More

Key Insights

• The heatwave in Europe has caused record-breaking temperatures, with parts of Spain and Portugal reaching 46 degrees Celsius in June.
• Countries like France, Italy, and the UK have issued red heat alerts, indicating a major risk to life and infrastructure.
• In Italy, the heatwave has resulted in two deaths, while Turkey has evacuated over 50,000 people due to wildfires.
• The term 'sweltering' is used to describe the uncomfortably hot conditions experienced during the heatwave.
• France is particularly affected, with Paris at a standstill and multiple areas on red alert due to extreme heat.
• The phrase 'take the brunt of' describes France's situation as the country most affected by the heatwave.
• Experts attribute the frequent and intense heatwaves to human-caused climate change, predicting more occurrences in the future.
• The concept of a 'new reality' or 'new normal' reflects the shift in climate patterns, making extreme heat more common in Europe.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the highest temperatures recorded during the heatwave?

During the heatwave, parts of Spain and Portugal recorded temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are the highest ever recorded for the month of June in these regions, highlighting the severity of the heatwave impacting Europe.

Q: What does the term 'sweltering' mean in the context of the heatwave?

The term 'sweltering' is an adjective used to describe conditions that are very, very hot to the point of being uncomfortable. It conveys a negative connotation, indicating heat that is oppressive and difficult to endure, as experienced during the European heatwave.

Q: How has the heatwave affected France specifically?

France has been significantly affected by the heatwave, with temperatures predicted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Paris and other areas have been placed on red alert, leading to closures of schools, roads, and even the top of the Eiffel Tower, as authorities warn of the danger posed to everyone.

Q: What does 'take the brunt of' mean in relation to France's situation?

The phrase 'take the brunt of' means to experience the worst part or main force of something negative. In this context, it describes how France is most severely affected by the heatwave compared to other European countries, bearing the worst of the extreme conditions.

Q: What role does climate change play in these heatwaves?

Climate change, driven by human activities, is a key factor behind the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that extreme hot weather will become more common, last longer, and be more intense as the planet continues to warm.

Q: What is meant by 'Europe's new climate reality'?

'Europe's new climate reality' refers to the changed situation where extreme heat has become more frequent and intense due to climate change. This shift from past conditions indicates that such extreme weather events are becoming the norm, altering the climate landscape in Europe.

Q: How are other countries besides France affected by the heatwave?

Besides France, countries like Italy and Turkey are also severely affected. Italy has reported two deaths due to the heat, while Turkey has faced extensive wildfires, leading to the evacuation of over 50,000 people, showcasing the widespread impact of the heatwave across Europe.

Q: What additional resources are available for learning about the heatwave?

For more information and vocabulary related to the heatwave, resources such as a free worksheet and additional learning materials can be found on the BBC Learning English website. These resources help in understanding the news and improving English language skills.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, with record temperatures and red alerts across several countries, posing significant risks to life and infrastructure.

• France is heavily impacted, with Paris at a standstill, and the heatwave is attributed to climate change, which is expected to cause more frequent and intense heat events.

• The podcast discusses vocabulary related to the heatwave, such as 'sweltering' and 'take the brunt of,' and explains the concept of a 'new reality' due to climate change.