Heatwave, wildfires, and drought 'triple disaster'… how long will we block it with air conditioners?

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken expressed concern about the severe heatwave that affected the country, urging citizens to enjoy a pleasant summer and indulge in activities such as swimming and barbecue picnics. However, the heat reached record levels, with the highest temperature of 33.4°C recorded on 6th June, surpassing the standard for mid-June.

This heatwave persisted for 12 days, resulting in 1,222 additional deaths compared to an average year. Francken's well-intentioned remarks drew criticism, with many questioning the effectiveness of his solutions. The summer of 2026 marked the hottest June and July in Western Europe, with surface temperatures soaring to 21.62°C, 2.79°C above the average from 1991-2020.

This summer was the hottest observed since records began, and it was also the second-worst year for forest fires in European history, with 435,000 hectares burned. The risk of wildfires continues to loom, particularly in Belgium, where the Othain Forest in Othain, Belgium, was burning at a rate comparable to Brussels. Even in August, the danger remains ongoing.

The summer of 2026 has forced politicians to recognize the reality of climate change, with Francken and others acknowledging the need for national plans to combat wildfires. A recent poll found that 86% of French citizens believe drought is a result of climate change, 84% associate heatwaves with climate change, and 77% attribute wildfires to climate change.

As a result, countries are implementing policies to adapt to the changing climate, including cooling shelters, enhanced air conditioning in public buildings, and adjustments to national policies. However, efforts to mitigate climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions have been hindered by the slow progress of policy implementation, as the effectiveness of these measures cannot be fully realized within the duration of a politician's term.