The globe is witnessing extremist climate transformations that threaten the lives of millions, as the heat waves are sweeping Europe, while the cold colds are hit by South America. In Europe, the European Union Union Union (ETUC) reported that heat -related deaths in workplaces increased by 42% since 2000, with calls for unified legislation to protect workers. On the other hand, an unprecedented cold wave in South America, especially in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, caused the death of at least 15 people, most of them homeless. These events highlight the increasing challenges imposed by climate change on public health and infrastructure.
Heat waves in Europe: a worsening crisis
Europe is witnessing increasing free waves of intensity and repetition, as temperatures rise at a rate that exceeds twice the global average, according to the World Health Organization. In the summer of 2025, an early heat wave began in June caused deaths in the workplace in Spain and France, with similar reports in Italy and Greece in previous years. In Italy, the temperatures that reached 38 degrees Celsius resulted in the issuance of red warnings in 17 cities, with an external work in some in the afternoon. However, a Bologna worker died in the incendiary sun, and two people died on the shores of Sardinia, and a woman in Palermo due to a heart condition that was exacerbated by heat.
According to the European Union Federation, 23%of workers in the European Union are exposed to high temperatures for a period of no less than a quarter of time, with higher rates of agriculture (36%) and construction (38%). When temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, the risk of accidents associated with work increases by 5-7%, and reaches 10-15% when exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. The initial symptoms of heat stress include dizziness, headache and muscle spasms, which may develop to vomiting and loss of consciousness or death if not treated.
Call for workers’ protection
The European Union Union calls for unified legislation at the level of the European Union, which includes risk assessment based on heat, humidity and ventilation, the right to periodic medical examinations, and absenteeism without penalties under severe heat. Some countries such as Belgium (29 ° C for light works, 18 ° C for very heavy works) and Spain (27 ° C for office work) set borders for temperatures, but these rules are not comprehensive, which exposes workers to different risks.
Free waves also cause economic damage, such as power outages in Florence and Bergamo due to the increasing demand for air conditioning, burning agricultural crops, and low milk production. It is estimated that the heat causes 175,000 people annually in Europe, a number that may rise as global warming continues.
Cold waves in South America: Human tragedy
On the other hand, the Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and Uruguay wave were struck in July 2025, coming from a polar air mass of Antarctica. This wave caused the death of at least 15 people, most of whom are homeless, according to Proyecto 7 in Argentina. Buenos Aires recorded the lowest temperature since 1991 at -1.9 degrees Celsius, while Mikincheau has witnessed -18 ° C. In Uruguay, the authorities declared a “red alert” case after the death of six people, which allowed the two -year -olds to be transferred to the shelters. Chile also recorded low temperatures, which amounted to -9.3 ° C in Chilean.
The cold wave led to major challenges, including the power outages in Buenos Aires for more than 24 hours, and the suspension of gas supplies to industries to ensure home supplies. The Atacama Desert, the most drought in the world, has also witnessed snow for the first time in a decade. Experts such as Raul Kordero of the University of Santiago believes that this phenomenon may be related to climate change, as the polar air masses sometimes extend unusual north.
The effect of climate change
These extremist events show the effect of climate change on both half of the globe. In Europe, the heat waves have become more frequent and intense due to the Earth’s temperature of 1.3 degrees Celsius since the pre -industrial era, with expectations of a height of 3 degrees by 2100.
These phenomena exacerbate heart and respiratory diseases, as extremist temperatures, whether hot or cold, increase the risk of death with cardiovascular disease. It also affects the infrastructure, where public transport systems and hospitals are disrupted due to the increasing pressure.
Suggested solutions
In Europe, the European Union Union calls for unified legislation to determine the limits of temperatures in the workplace, while ensuring medical examinations and the right to absent without penalties. In South America, governments are taking emergency measures such as opening shelters and distributing supplies, but long -term investments are needed in infrastructure to adapt to extremist climate phenomena.
Summary
The heat waves in Europe and the severe cold in South America highlight the urgent need to counter climate change. In Europe, the increase in heat -related deaths is a major challenge, especially for workers in high -risk sectors. In South America, cold waves threaten the lives of the most vulnerable groups like the homeless. Confronting these crises requires international cooperation to reduce emissions, improve infrastructure, and set policies to protect the population from extremist climate phenomena.
