Climate extremes: latest events

Story so far

1. 24 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   Study finds record 50,000 heat deaths in European cities this summer

   Researchers estimate heat killed 50,000 people in European cities from June to August, with about 32,000 extra deaths attributed to added warming. Rates were highest in Malta, Italy and Hungary. Separately, UN officials said El Niño could cause a record rise in Pacific Ocean temperatures, and UN nature advisers warned of widespread coral reef risk.

2. 23 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   Study finds heat killed a record 50,000 people in European cities this summer

   On Friday, a study was reported estimating that heat killed 50,000 people in European cities from June to August, with about 32,000 extra deaths attributed to added warming. Rates were highest in Malta, Italy and Hungary. Earlier in the week, UN bodies issued several warnings on climate and ocean risks, including a coral reef assessment and a report on emissions commitments.

   Heat killed record 50,000 people in European cities this summer,…

3. 22 Oct 2026 ■ Steady

   UN advisers say 96% of shallow-water coral reefs face collapse risk by 2075

   On Thursday, an assessment by UN nature advisers found that global heating endangers 96% of coral reefs across more than 80 countries, with about 24% already critically endangered. On Wednesday, UN officials said El Niño could cause a record rise in Pacific Ocean temperatures, and a UN Environment Programme report said current emissions commitments put the world on course for 2.6C warming this century. The UN also reported a major rise in US climate pollution.

   UN advisors: 96% of shallow-water coral reefs face collapse risk by…

4. 21 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   UN says El Niño could drive record Pacific warming, with floods and droughts expected

   On Wednesday, UN officials said the El Niño pattern could cause a record rise in Pacific Ocean temperatures, comparing it to a "wrecking ball" circling the globe and bringing floods and droughts. Also on Wednesday, a UN Environment Programme report said current emissions-cutting commitments fall far short of the Paris goals and put the world on course for 2.6C warming this century. A BBC analysis on Monday said the strongest El Niño on record is still intensifying.

   UN says El Niño breaking Pacific warming records, with floods and… · UN report: world on course for 2.6C warming, set to breach Paris… · UN reports major rise in US climate pollution

Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.