Two new studies reveal climate change's fingerprints over extreme fire weather-triggering infernos in Spain and France. Researchers at World Weather Attribution found human-caused climate change made Spain's record fire 20 times more likely and doubled the chances of extreme fire conditions in France. Another study shows extreme fire-prone days in Southern Europe have more than doubled compared to decades ago. Experts emphasize that climate change is already impacting fire severity and stress the need to stop burning fossil fuels.
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FILE - A firefighter carries a hose while battling a wildfire in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, west of Madrid, Spain, July 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
FILE - A plane releases fire retardant as it flies over a forest near Blagon, during wildfires in southwestern France, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva, File)
FILE - Forest rangers work in a wildfire-scorched area near Casillas, Avila province, Spain, July 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Olmo Calvo, File)
FILE - An area scorched by a wildfire surrounds structures in El Tiemblo, Avila province, Spain, Thursday, July 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
FILE - Volunteers try to help stop a wildfire from advancing in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, west of Madrid, Spain, July 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
FILE - A firefighter walks in front of burning trees as a wildfire rages near Marcheprime, outside, Bordeaux, France, July 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva, File)
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As wildfires and successive heatwaves in France and Spain highlight climate change's impact, a severe drought is causing record low water levels on the Danube River, affecting tourism and industry. The river, which flows through 10 countries, has receded to unprecedented lows, exposing rocks and old shipwrecks. In Budapest, the Danube was measured at just 23 centimeters, breaking previous records. River cruise ships are docking upriver, and sightseeing cruises have been canceled. The drought has also affected Hungary and Romania's nuclear power plant operations, exposed a World War II bomb, and ended the summer season for excursion boat operators in Serbia.