Scorching Temps Meet Power Shortages: Europe’s Summer Struggle
As record-breaking heatwaves sweep Europe, residents from the UK to Italy are navigating dual challenges: staying cool amid extreme temperatures and managing energy costs heightened by shortages linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. CGTN Global Stringer spoke to locals about their creative—and sometimes desperate—strategies to cope.
UK: Balancing Comfort and Costs
In London, university student Maria Kovac shares her shift to \"midnight productivity\" to avoid peak energy hours. \"I work at night when it’s cooler and power rates drop,\" she says. Cafes like The Brew Haven in Manchester now offer free Wi-Fi and discounted cold drinks to attract remote workers during daytime blackouts.
Germany: Community Efforts and Renewable Push
Berlin’s Spree River hosts impromptu community cooling stations, while solar startups report a 200% surge in rooftop panel inquiries. \"We can’t control the heat, but we can control our energy sources,\" says engineer Lars Bauer, installing panels in Potsdam.
Italy: Droughts and Water Rationing
An Italian resident in Rome describes conditions as \"apocalyptic,\" citing 40°C days triggering rolling blackouts. The Po River—a critical agricultural artery—has hit 70-year drought lows, forcing governments to ration water to residents every other day. \"My garden looks like a desert,\" laments vineyard owner Giulia Moretti.
A Call for Systemic Change
Experts warn these crises underscore Europe’s urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and diversified energy policies. \"This isn’t just survival mode—it’s a wake-up call,\" says Geneva-based sustainability researcher Dr. Elsa Nilsen.
Reference(s):
We Talk: How European residents cope with heatwave and energy crisis
cgtn.com
