Economic damage
A "heat dome" phenomenon is pushing temperatures to unusually high levels across Europe, far exceeding seasonal normals. The heat is scorching Spain, with temperatures expected to peak this weekend at 38 degrees Celsius; meanwhile, parts of Italy have imposed restrictions on outdoor work.
In the UK, the Met Office reported earlier this week that it was the hottest day in May on record, with temperatures reaching 34.8 degrees Celsius in London, where the average temperature at this time of year is usually around 17 or 18 degrees Celsius. In Paris, France, temperatures on May 23rd exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, reaching 31.9 degrees Celsius.
According to La Tribune on May 26th, the unusually intense heatwaves currently affecting Europe are causing a "macroeconomic shock" as labor productivity decreases, industry declines, and public spending increases...
Scientists from the University of Mannheim (Germany) and the European Central Bank estimate that heatwaves, droughts, and floods in the summer of 2025 will cost the European economy around 43 billion euros (50.5 billion USD), including 6.8 billion euros from heatwaves. Spain is expected to be the hardest hit country, with estimated losses of 12.2 billion euros in 2025.
That's not all; according to the authors, the economic impact could be long-lasting, with total losses potentially reaching 126 billion euros by 2029. More seriously, Euronews reports that in June and July 2025 alone, over 2,300 people died due to heatwaves in 12 European cities.
Why is Europe warming up so quickly?
Scientists say Europe is warming the fastest in the world , extending into the Arctic region. A phenomenon called a "heat dome," where warm air from North Africa is trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe, is causing the heatwaves typically seen only in midsummer.
Globally, temperatures are warming by about 1.4 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). Meanwhile, Europe is warming by about 2.4 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
"Most of this heat is due to the human-induced greenhouse effect from fossil fuel emissions," Dr. Ben Clarke, a researcher on extreme weather and climate change at Imperial College London, told AFP.
According to Copernicus, changes in weather patterns, or changes in atmospheric circulation, also lead to more frequent and intense heat waves in Europe during the summer.
Furthermore, European territory borders the Arctic, which is warming much faster than the rest of the planet. Temperatures in the Arctic are currently 3.2 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels, largely due to the rapid melting of sea ice, leading to greater heat absorption, and vice versa.
In addition to air pollution contributing to global warming, many parts of Europe that used to experience snow in winter are now seeing a reduction in snowfall. By 2025, Europe is expected to witness the fourth warmest summer on record.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/song-nhiet-rao-can-cua-kinh-te-chau-au-3338279.html
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