Europe's 'summer of truth' brought record-breaking heatwaves, severe droughts, and an estimated €180bn in damages, yet political responses have largely been timid or marred by climate denial. While extreme weather events highlight the escalating pace of global heating—with Europe warming at double the global rate—leaders in major economies continue to stall on commitments or support fossil fuels. Polling indicates a clear disconnect between voters, who overwhelmingly demand clean energy and climate action, and politicians who fail to match public urgency.

Europe's 'summer of truth' brought record-breaking heatwaves, severe droughts, and an estimated €180bn in damages, yet political responses have largely been timid or marred by climate denial. While extreme weather events highlight the escalating pace of global heating—with Europe warming at double the global rate—leaders in major economies continue to stall on commitments or support fossil fuels. Polling indicates a clear disconnect between voters, who overwhelmingly demand clean energy and climate action, and politicians who fail to match public urgency.