Photo: The heat wave pushed the temperature in Greece to nearly 40 degrees, and tourists passed by the Parthenon on the Acropolis with umbrellas. \Associated Press

Since the beginning of summer this year, high temperatures and extremely hot weather have occurred in many parts of the world. Southern Europe has experienced the earliest high temperatures in history, India is experiencing the longest heat wave in history, and the “heat dome” will affect most parts of the United States from this week. Data from the European Union’s climate monitoring agency, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), show that the earth has just experienced the hottest May on record, breaking the highest monthly average temperature record for the 12th consecutive month. Some scientists predict that this year will most likely break last year’s record and become the hottest year in history. This is reminding people that climate change is a global crisis and reducing carbon emissions is urgent.

Greece/Tourists die on foot as temperature breaks 40℃

Affected by the high temperature, southern Europe ushered in a heat wave ahead of schedule. Most parts of Greece have set new highs in temperature since the first week of this month, with temperatures exceeding 38°C in many places and as high as 43°C. Meteorologists pointed out that this is the earliest heat wave in Greece’s history. Recently, many foreign tourists in Greece are suspected to have died due to hiking in high temperatures. The outside world is worried that tourists have not fully understood or been informed of the risks of overexertion in hot weather.

Last week, BBC presenter Michael Mosley, 67, disappeared while hiking in the heat on Symi Island and was found dead on the 9th. A 74-year-old Dutch tourist who went missing on Samos Island in eastern Greece was confirmed dead on the 15th, six days after he went missing. He went missing while hiking in the heat on the 9th, and his body was found in the valley by a drone of the fire department. A 70-year-old American tourist was found dead near Maslaki Island on the 16th. On the 14th, two French women aged 73 and 64 disappeared on the small island of Sikinos, and a 59-year-old American tourist lost contact on Amorgos Island since the 11th. All three have not been found.

Due to the high temperature, the Acropolis of Athens, a famous Greek landmark, was temporarily closed for two consecutive days on the 12th and 13th, and many tourists left disappointed after arriving at the gate. The Greek National Meteorological Service issued an orange high temperature warning, which is the second most serious warning.

The Cyprus Health Department has stated that the temperature has remained above 40 degrees Celsius since the 11th. Officials from the Cyprus Meteorological Service said that the country usually has temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius in July and August, and the high temperatures in June this year are expected to be “unprecedented.”

(AFP, AP)