Core Viewpoint - Serbia's plum production is significantly impacted by extreme weather conditions, affecting both farmers' livelihoods and the production of traditional fruit brandy "rakija," highlighting the broader climate challenges faced by agriculture and the beverage industry across Europe [1][6]. Group 1: Plum Production in Serbia - Serbia is one of the world's major plum producers, with plum orchards accounting for approximately 40% of all fruit orchards [2]. - In 2024, Serbia's plum planting area is projected to reach 1.1 million acres, with an estimated yield of 387,200 tons [2]. - 70% of Serbia's plums are used to produce brandy, with "rakija" recognized as the national drink, playing a significant role in cultural and economic activities [2]. Group 2: Impact of Extreme Weather - The plum harvest season typically runs from mid-August to early September, but this year, many trees have produced very few fruits due to adverse weather [3]. - Factors contributing to the reduced plum yield include spring frost and summer drought, with estimates indicating a potential decline in yields of 30% to 90% for various stone fruits [3][4]. - As of July 2023, 99% of Serbia's soil is reported to be lacking water, with a drought alert rate of 68% [4]. Group 3: Economic Consequences - Farmers like Milutin, who usually produce around 6,000 liters of "rakija" and earn approximately €50,000, are facing losses of nearly €10,000 due to the drastic reduction in yield [4][5]. - The overall impact of reduced plum production extends beyond "rakija," affecting related industries such as jam, canned goods, and fresh fruit exports [6]. Group 4: Climate Resilience and Agricultural Modernization - The agricultural sector in Europe, including Serbia, is urged to adapt to climate change by modernizing farming practices, such as high-density planting and smart irrigation systems [6][7]. - Traditional plum orchards yield about 3.3 tons per hectare, while modernized orchards can achieve over 14 tons per hectare [6]. - Serbia's application for a €300 million "climate-resilient orchard" fund from the EU represents a proactive step towards addressing these challenges [8].

Core Viewpoint - The global insurance industry is facing a critical challenge as climate change leads to increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which may soon exceed the industry's capacity to provide coverage for financial services such as mortgages and investments [1][3]. Group 1: Insurance Industry Challenges - Allianz's board member, Gunther Thalinger, warns that the world is approaching a temperature level where insurance companies can no longer provide coverage for financial services like mortgages [3]. - Thalinger highlighted that losses from extreme weather are causing asset classes to "degrade in real-time," and the worsening climate crisis could potentially "destroy capitalism" [3]. - Approximately two-thirds of economic losses from natural disasters are currently uninsured, indicating a significant risk burden on individuals, businesses, and governments [3]. Group 2: Economic Impact of Natural Disasters - Zurich Insurance Group's report indicates that from 2014 to 2023, extreme weather events caused approximately $2 trillion in economic losses, with the frequency and intensity of disasters increasing due to long-term climate changes [4]. - The global insured loss growth rate (5.9%) has outpaced global economic growth over the past thirty years, suggesting a concerning trend for the insurance market [4]. - If the trend of increasing insured losses continues, insurance companies may need to raise climate-related premiums, which could affect individuals' and businesses' willingness and ability to purchase insurance [4].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that extreme weather events are becoming a norm due to climate change, with significant impacts on agriculture, urban operations, and daily life [3][4][6] - The average temperature in Henan province reached 30.5°C in July, which is 3.2°C higher than the historical average, marking the hottest period in 64 years [1][2] - The article highlights the urgent need for scientific understanding and effective responses to climate change challenges, as the current preparations are insufficient [11][12] Group 2 - The frequency of extreme weather events has increased significantly, with a notable rise in climate-related disasters over the past two decades [4][6] - The article discusses the dual impact of global warming, leading to more severe droughts and floods, which poses a threat to major grain-producing areas in China [3][8][16] - The agricultural sector is facing challenges such as increased irrigation costs and crop growth disruptions due to extreme temperatures [17][19] Group 3 - The article suggests that the transition to green energy is essential, requiring five times the current efforts to mitigate future disaster losses [12][13] - It points out that the agricultural infrastructure needs significant upgrades to adapt to extreme weather, including improved irrigation and drainage systems [20] - The potential for "weather-related price hikes" in agricultural products is highlighted, with extreme weather already causing fluctuations in global commodity prices [21][22] Group 4 - The article indicates that extreme weather will increasingly affect various industries, necessitating new financial tools for agricultural insurance [23] - It mentions that sectors like renewable energy and urban planning must adapt to the challenges posed by extreme weather events [24][25] - The need for a long-term strategy to combat climate change is emphasized, with a focus on adhering to national carbon neutrality goals [26]

气候极端化已经成为一种常态。现在的研究表明，全球变暖会 带来一个效应——涝的更涝，旱的更旱。即短期内，一定区域 内的降雨强度更高或高温干旱十分严重，甚至出现短期内的旱 涝急转。 作者：冯雨欣 田进 封图：图虫创意 近几年，全球极端天气事件频发，极端气候正在以肉眼可见的方式侵入现实生活。 今年夏天，国内不同地区出现的暴雨、洪涝、高温等天气，对人们的生产生活产生重大影响，引发 了社会各界的关注。7月以来，河南省平均气温达30.5℃（摄氏度），较常年异常偏高3.2℃，为64 年来同期最热。截至8月2日，未来几天中东部将呈现"雨—热—雨"的天气格局，陕西南部、四川 东部、重庆、湖北西部等部分地区气温将突破40℃；而在高压系统南北两侧，广东、广西等地则迎 来暴雨天气。 在刚刚过去的7月，我国北方大部降雨量较常年同期偏多，共有5轮暴雨过程轮番影响。截至7月31 日，内蒙古降水量为1961年以来历史同期最多，北京为同期第二多。 随着极端天气对农业生产、城市运行、民众生活等诸多方面的冲击不断显现，如何科学认识气候变 化趋势、有效应对其带来的挑战，已成为亟待解答的重要课题。 8月3日，经济观察报专访了中国科学院大气物理研究所季 ...

研究报告揭示，从新生儿到古稀老者，塑料渗透人类生命的每个阶段，已成为诱发疾病甚至导致死亡的 隐形杀手。报告将塑料污染与空气污染、铅中毒并列，强调其健康危害可通过政策法规有效遏制。该报 告主笔人之一、美国波士顿学院研究员菲利普·兰德里根博士特别警示，塑料污染对儿童造成的伤害尤 为严重。 研究显示，微塑料已侵入自然生态链和人体组织。虽然其全面健康影响尚待深入研究，但科学家已确认 这种"无处不在的污染物"具有潜在危害。 数据表明，全球塑料产量正呈指数级增长：从1950年的200万吨飙升至2022年的4.75亿吨，预计2060年 将再增加两倍，而当前回收率却不足10%。 兰德里根强调，塑料危机与气候危机同根同源。以化石燃料为原料的塑料产业，正在制造双重灾难。随 着全球变暖与塑料产量持续攀升，相关健康风险将呈几何级增长。 报告向日内瓦与会代表发出疾呼：把握这一历史性机遇，在分歧中寻求共识，为应对这场全球危机建立 真正有效的国际合作机制。 （文章来源：科技日报） 联合国《全球塑料公约》最终轮谈判于5日在瑞士日内瓦万国宫启幕，170多国代表共同磋商具有法律约 束力的塑料污染治理协议。值此之际，英国《柳叶刀》杂志3日发布重磅 ...

Group 1 - The book "The Rise of Religion and Capitalism" argues that contemporary economic views, particularly the belief in free markets, are deeply rooted in religious thought, contrasting with the traditional view of economics as a secular product of the Enlightenment [2] - It explores the historical connections between religion and economic thought, highlighting how Protestantism influenced modern economic ideas and how Calvinism shaped early capitalist values and behaviors [2] Group 2 - "Mediterranean Ten Cities" discusses how classical civilization, represented by ancient Greece and Rome, laid the foundation for contemporary Western culture and arts [4] - The author outlines the rich heritage left by classical civilization through ten cities, emphasizing the political ideologies born from the Greek city-states and the expansion of Greek culture across Europe and Asia [4] Group 3 - "Global Food Crisis: Industrialized Britain, Food Systems, and World Ecology" addresses the unprecedented global food crisis, linking it to unsustainable dietary choices and agricultural dependencies that threaten both human health and ecological balance [8] - The book traces the origins of this crisis back to late 18th-century Britain, where a diet rich in meat, wheat, and sugar became prevalent, leading to increased reliance on global resources [8] Group 4 - "The Possibilities of Development: Agricultural Modernization in the US and Mexico Before and After WWII" examines the historical similarities between the agricultural challenges faced by the southern United States and Mexico in the early 20th century [14] - It discusses how agricultural movements in both regions developed in parallel and influenced each other, particularly highlighting the impact of Roosevelt's New Deal policies on Mexican agricultural reforms [14] Group 5 - "The Legal Theater: A History of Legal Construction" explores the historical context of legal development in Western society, focusing on the roles of professors, legislators, and judges as key actors in the legal system [16] - The book traces the creative forces behind legal norms, including legal science, legislation, and judicial power, and their historical missions and functions [16] Group 6 - "The Milk Craze: Body, Science, and Hope" investigates the transformation of milk consumption in China from a fear of dairy to a strong preference for it, analyzing the cultural, social, and economic factors behind this shift [22] - The book discusses the historical relationship between milk production, consumption, and traditional health beliefs, as well as the impact of foreign milk products on the Chinese market [22] Group 7 - "The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time" describes the transition from pre-industrial to industrialized Europe, revealing significant ideological, social, and political changes during this period [32] - The author critiques the inherent flaws of self-regulating free markets and predicts the severe consequences of market economies on people, nature, and production organization [32]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the recurring flooding issues in Manila, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and inadequate disaster management, leading to significant human and economic impacts during the rainy season [1][2]. Group 1: Flooding and Disaster Impact - On July 25, Manila experienced severe flooding due to a tropical cyclone and enhanced southwest monsoon, resulting in the deaths of 30 people and 7 missing, with approximately 5.3 million affected [1]. - The flooding has caused widespread disruption, with schools and businesses closed for five consecutive days, and major roads submerged [1][2]. Group 2: Infrastructure Challenges - Manila's drainage systems are outdated and often clogged, contributing to the city's vulnerability to flooding during heavy rains [2]. - The Philippine Commission on Audit noted in 2021 that the budget utilization for flood control projects was low, with delays in the maintenance of drainage pumps and slow progress on infrastructure projects [2]. Group 3: Broader Context and Political Implications - The article suggests that the flooding issues in Manila are not solely due to climate factors but also reflect deeper political and planning challenges, emphasizing the need for concrete actions rather than just rhetoric [3]. - The upcoming state of the nation address by President Marcos is expected to focus on addressing climate crises, indicating a potential shift in policy priorities [2].

Core Insights - The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that June 2023 was the third hottest June globally since records began in 1940, with Western Europe experiencing the hottest June on record [1] - The report highlights that heatwaves are occurring earlier, more frequently, and with greater intensity in Europe, closely linked to global warming [1] Group 1: Climate Trends - Western and Southern Europe experienced two significant heatwaves in late June, indicating a shift in the timing of such events from July and August to June [1] - A key factor contributing to the intensified heatwaves in June is the record high sea surface temperatures in the Western Mediterranean, which has led to numerous "tropical nights" where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Celsius [1] Group 2: Oceanic and Polar Impacts - The Mediterranean region is becoming a climate change hotspot, with its warming rate significantly exceeding the global average [1] - The ocean absorbs about 90% of the heat associated with greenhouse gas emissions, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems, including increased coral bleaching observed globally [1] - Arctic warming is occurring at a rate much faster than the global average, which may alter the jet stream and lead to more frequent extreme weather events [1] Group 3: Ice Coverage - In June, Arctic sea ice extent was 6% below the average, marking the second lowest June extent in 47 years of satellite records, while Antarctic sea ice was 9% below average, the third lowest on record for June [2] - Eastern and Southeastern Europe may face heightened risks of high temperatures and drought in the coming months, with heatwaves becoming a new norm for European summers [2] Group 4: Climate Action Recommendations - The report emphasizes two critical directions for addressing climate change: accelerating mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacity to improve resilience against extreme weather and long-term warming trends [2]

Group 1: Extreme Heat Impact - Europe experienced its hottest summer in history in June 2025, with temperatures in Huelva, Spain reaching 46°C, breaking records since 1965 [1] - 88% of France's provinces were under a red alert, leading to the closure of the Eiffel Tower's top level and the suspension of classes in 1,896 schools [1] - Germany faced nationwide train disruptions due to rail expansion from heat, and "mobile air-conditioned buses" were introduced in Berlin for public relief [1] Group 2: Energy Crisis - The paradox of "turning on air conditioning means death, not turning it on means death" emerged as electricity prices in Italy were projected to rise by 30% and gas prices by 37% in fall 2025, increasing annual household expenses by over €250 [3] - Germany's electricity market saw extreme fluctuations, with daily prices ranging from -€26 to €583 per megawatt-hour, marking historical volatility [3] - Low-income households found air conditioning to be a luxury, with significant increases in demand for alternative cooling methods, such as USB fans and ice [3] Group 3: Public Health Crisis - The extreme heat resulted in a public health disaster, with approximately 2,300 deaths across 12 European cities attributed to the heatwave, 1,500 of which were directly linked to climate change [4] - Spain reported a 73% increase in heat-related deaths compared to 2022, with the elderly being the most vulnerable demographic [4] - Hospitals were overwhelmed, and social disparities were highlighted, as wealthier areas had three times the air conditioning prevalence compared to poorer neighborhoods, leading to a 45% higher mortality rate in low-income communities [4] Group 4: Transition Strategies - Europe is struggling to transition, with Germany establishing a €500 billion special fund, allocating €100 billion for energy storage and grid upgrades [6] - Spain received €700 million in EU subsidies to support independent energy storage systems, while France introduced a "cooling subsidy plan" for low-income families to purchase air conditioning [6] - Chinese companies played a crucial role, with air conditioning exports to Europe reaching ¥11.98 billion in the first half of 2025, and brands like Midea and Gree gaining traction in the market [6] Group 5: Sustainability Challenges - The EU reported a 42.5% share of renewable energy generation in Q1 2025, a decrease of 4.3 percentage points from the previous year, primarily due to reduced hydro and wind power [6] - Predictions indicate that without accelerated transition efforts, the air conditioning ownership in Europe could reach 275 million units by 2050, leading to a surge in electricity demand and potential new crises [6] Group 6: Societal Reflection - The heat crisis exposed the conflict between environmental ideals and survival needs, as well as the shortsightedness of energy policies and social inequality [7] - The success of Chinese air conditioning in Europe reflects a need for pragmatic solutions in the face of climate disasters, emphasizing that true sustainability requires ensuring that every individual can access cool air during extreme heat [7]

Core Insights - The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that June 2023 was the third hottest June globally since records began in 1940, with Western Europe experiencing the hottest June on record [1] - The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Europe are closely linked to global warming, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis [1] Group 1: Climate Trends - Western and Southern Europe experienced two significant heatwaves in late June, with the timing of these events shifting from July and August to June, indicating a direct impact of climate change [1] - Record high sea surface temperatures in the Western Mediterranean have intensified heatwaves, leading to "tropical nights" where nighttime temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Celsius, posing serious health risks [1] Group 2: Ocean and Polar Conditions - The Mediterranean region is becoming a climate change "hotspot," with its warming rate significantly exceeding the global average, as oceans absorb about 90% of heat related to greenhouse gas emissions [1] - The Arctic is warming at a rate much faster than the global average, which may alter jet stream patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events [1] Group 3: Ice Coverage - In June, Arctic sea ice extent was 6% below the average, marking the second lowest June extent in 47 years of satellite records, while Antarctic sea ice extent was 9% below average, the third lowest on record for June [2] Group 4: Future Projections and Recommendations - Eastern and Southeastern Europe may face higher risks of heat and drought in the coming months, with heatwaves becoming a new norm for European summers due to ongoing climate change [2] - Addressing climate change should focus on two key areas: accelerating mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience across various sectors to cope with extreme weather and long-term warming trends [2]