Core Viewpoint - An international study led by the Spanish National Research Council indicates that nighttime high temperatures may lead to an increase in global mortality rates, highlighting a significant health risk associated with this phenomenon [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study analyzed over 14 million death records from 178 cities across 44 countries between 1990 and 2018, using hourly temperature data and statistical models to assess the relationship between nighttime high temperatures and mortality [1] - Nighttime high temperatures are positively correlated with increased mortality rates in all regions except Northern Europe, indicating that nighttime heat itself is a health risk factor [1] - Nighttime high temperatures hinder the body's recovery from daytime heat stress, affect sleep quality, and may exacerbate cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological diseases [1] Group 2: Impact on Vulnerable Populations - Urban areas with strong heat island effects, such as Mediterranean cities like Barcelona and Valencia, experience higher frequencies of nighttime high temperatures, posing greater risks to vulnerable groups [1] - The most affected populations include the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and residents in poorly ventilated or air-conditioned environments [1] Group 3: Recommendations - Researchers advocate for the inclusion of nighttime high temperatures in early warning systems, the development of urban climate shelters, and the increase of green spaces to mitigate health risks [1] - Ensuring adequate cooling conditions in homes, hospitals, and nursing homes is also recommended to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of nighttime heat [1]

Core Viewpoint - The increase in urban rainfall during peak hours is attributed to the "rain island effect," which is a consequence of the "heat island effect" in cities [2][3]. Group 1: Urban Climate Effects - The "heat island effect" refers to urban centers being significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, with temperature differences of 2°C-3°C due to artificial structures and reduced green spaces [2]. - The "rain island effect" is formed as urban pollutants create condensation nuclei that lead to cloud formation, resulting in increased rainfall in urban areas [2][3]. Group 2: Urbanization and Flooding - Rapid urbanization has transformed agricultural land into urban areas, increasing impervious surfaces and reducing water absorption, which exacerbates flooding during heavy rainfall [3]. - Climate change is also a significant factor contributing to extreme weather events, including urban flooding [3]. Group 3: Urban Flood Management Strategies - The concept of "sponge cities" aims to enhance urban resilience to environmental changes and natural disasters by improving rainwater absorption and management [3][4]. - The "big sponge" approach emphasizes integrated flood management at the watershed level, considering urban areas alongside surrounding natural ecosystems [4]. - The Chinese government has initiated policies to strengthen urban flood management, focusing on source reduction, drainage systems, and emergency responses [4].

Core Viewpoint - The debate over air conditioning in France has intensified due to extreme heat, reflecting a political and cultural divide between right-wing and left-wing parties regarding environmental concerns and public comfort [1][2][4]. Group 1: Political Context - Only 7% of households in France currently have air conditioning, but the extreme summer heat has led to calls for widespread installation [1]. - The far-right party, National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has proposed a large-scale air conditioning installation plan for public spaces if they gain power in the upcoming elections [2]. - The left-wing parties strongly oppose this plan, arguing that it contradicts environmental principles and promotes unsustainable consumption [4]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Market Response - The recent heatwave has caused a surge in air conditioning sales, with people queuing for installations, indicating a strong public demand for relief from the heat [5]. - Retailers are planning to expedite the import of air conditioning units, even at significantly increased costs, highlighting the urgency of consumer needs [5]. - The right-wing narrative frames the issue as a class struggle, appealing to the public's immediate need for comfort against the backdrop of economic challenges [5][6]. Group 3: Left-Wing Strategy - The left-wing parties are encouraged to move away from moralistic rhetoric and focus on providing practical solutions for public comfort, including affordable housing and energy-efficient infrastructure [6]. - There is a suggestion that the left should embrace the benefits of social development to regain support, as the promise of air conditioning appeals strongly to lower-income groups [6].

Core Insights - The World Meteorological Organization and other agencies have issued warnings about extreme heat, urging countries to enhance early warning systems, develop public health response plans, and improve inter-agency collaboration to address escalating climate risks [1][2] Group 1: Extreme Heat Events - In 2025, global temperatures are expected to break records, with July being the third hottest month on record [1] - Turkey recorded a maximum temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius, while Sweden and Finland experienced prolonged temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius [1] - Japan recorded a new high of 41.8 degrees Celsius in August, with parts of Pakistan exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and some areas surpassing 45 degrees Celsius [1] Group 2: Impact of Extreme Heat - The ongoing high temperatures have led to severe wildfires, with Canada experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, burning over 6.6 million hectares as of August 3 [1] - Smoke from hundreds of fire points has deteriorated air quality in multiple provinces in Canada and northern U.S. states, even reaching Europe [1] - Countries like Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus have also faced wildfires resulting in casualties and mass evacuations [1] Group 3: Health Risks and Projections - Extreme heat is referred to as a "silent killer," posing long-term threats such as health risks, power outages, and worsening air quality [2] - An estimated 489,000 deaths annually from 2000 to 2019 were linked to heat-related causes, with 45% occurring in Asia and 36% in Europe [2] - Implementing heat health warning systems in 57 countries could potentially save nearly 100,000 lives each year [2]

Group 1: Extreme Heat Events - The summer of 2023 has seen unprecedented heat waves across Europe, with temperatures reaching historical highs, such as 48.8°C in Sicily and 46.6°C in Spain [1][2] - The number of heat-related deaths in Spain surged to 1,180 from May 16 to July 13, 2025, marking a 935% increase compared to the same period last year [1] - The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in Europe are increasing, with some cities facing heat periods lasting up to five months [5][6] Group 2: Health and Environmental Impact - Extreme heat has resulted in over 60,000 deaths in Europe during the summer of 2022, alongside severe ecological impacts from wildfires and droughts [2][6] - The health risks associated with prolonged high temperatures are particularly acute for vulnerable populations, including the elderly [5][10] - The ongoing heat waves are reshaping urban living conditions, with increased hospitalizations and changes in work schedules due to extreme temperatures [4][11] Group 3: Air Conditioning Debate - The debate over the widespread deployment of air conditioning has intensified, with some experts arguing it is a short-term solution that exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions [3][8] - The low penetration of air conditioning in Europe, with only about 5% in France and 3% in Germany, contrasts sharply with the higher rates in the US and China [8][9] - The European Union is cautious about promoting air conditioning due to its potential to conflict with carbon neutrality goals and the ongoing energy crisis [9][10] Group 4: Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies - The need for infrastructure upgrades is critical, as extreme heat impacts tourism and public services, leading to closures of popular sites and transportation disruptions [11][12] - Recommendations include enhancing building designs for better heat resistance, implementing green roofs, and establishing climate shelters for vulnerable populations [12] - The call for a multi-faceted approach to climate adaptation emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient technologies and improved public health systems to manage heat-related challenges [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - Europe is experiencing extreme heat waves, leading to public health crises and highlighting the lack of air conditioning in households, with several countries reporting heat-related deaths [1][3]. Group 1: Air Conditioning Scarcity - Air conditioning is significantly less common in Europe compared to the U.S., with only about 20% of European households having air conditioning, while the U.S. has a rate of approximately 90% [3]. - The UK has a particularly low air conditioning penetration rate of around 5%, and Germany is even lower at about 3% [3]. - Four main reasons for the scarcity of air conditioning in Europe include traditional habits, building structures, energy costs, and policy direction [3][4]. Group 2: Traditional Habits and Building Structures - Historically, there has been little demand for air conditioning in Europe, as it has been viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity [3]. - Many European homes were built before the mid-20th century, lacking the infrastructure for central cooling systems, with a significant portion of homes having small windows and high floors, making installation costly and complex [3]. Group 3: Energy Costs and Policy Direction - High energy consumption of air conditioning units and elevated electricity prices in Europe pose significant barriers to adoption, especially for low- to middle-income households [4]. - Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, energy prices in Europe have surged, making air conditioning unaffordable for many [4]. - European policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 discourage air conditioning use, with measures such as limiting public air conditioning temperatures to 27 degrees Celsius [4]. Group 4: Changing Attitudes Towards Air Conditioning - The increasing frequency and duration of heat waves are prompting a shift in societal attitudes towards air conditioning in Europe [5]. - The International Energy Agency predicts that the number of air conditioning units in the EU will rise to 275 million by 2050, more than double the number in 2019 [5]. - In the UK, inquiries about residential air conditioning have tripled over the past five years, indicating a growing demand [5]. Group 5: Political and Environmental Considerations - Political figures in France are advocating for large-scale air conditioning infrastructure plans, criticizing the disparity between elite energy consumption and public energy-saving measures [6]. - Experts warn that without clean energy solutions, the widespread adoption of air conditioning could exacerbate climate change, creating a vicious cycle of global warming [6].

Core Points - Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, leading to widespread health warnings and school closures across multiple countries [1][4][6] - The extreme temperatures are attributed to climate change, with experts indicating that such heatwaves are becoming the new normal [1][8] - Various countries are implementing emergency measures to cope with the heat, including closing schools and providing cooling centers for vulnerable populations [6][7] Group 1: Spain - Spain has issued heat warnings across 45 provinces, with temperatures expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest June on record with an average temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius [2][4] - The heat has disrupted daily life, with reports of residents struggling to cope with the extreme conditions [2] Group 2: France - In France, 84 out of 96 provinces are affected by the heat, with 16 provinces under the highest red alert level [4][6] - The French government is taking measures such as closing schools and limiting outdoor activities to protect public health [6] Group 3: Italy - Italy is also facing extreme heat, with 18 cities under red alert and reports of a 10% increase in heat-related emergency cases [6][8] - The government is promoting public awareness campaigns and providing free access to cooling facilities for the elderly [6] Group 4: Germany - Germany has seen half of its regions under the highest alert level, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius [4][7] - Employers are required to take measures to protect workers from extreme heat, including providing drinks and increasing break times [7] Group 5: Climate Change Implications - The ongoing heatwave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, with scientists warning that such events will become more frequent and severe [1][9] - The World Health Organization has called for urgent action to prevent heat-related deaths, highlighting the need for national heat health action plans [8][9]

Core Concept - The construction of "cool cities" in Hainan aims to mitigate the effects of high temperatures and improve urban livability through ecological and architectural strategies [1][6]. Group 1: Urban Cooling Strategies - Hainan is implementing "cool city" pilot projects in cities like Haikou and Sanya, focusing on ecological spatial layout and building forms to explore urban cooling strategies [1][6]. - The province has established an expert group to address urban heat island effects by optimizing cold source locations and creating ventilation corridors [2][6]. - The design of "cool city" street blocks includes various applications such as cool residential communities and green transportation, enhancing urban comfort and sustainability [3][4]. Group 2: Architectural Innovations - The construction of public and commercial street blocks incorporates design principles that promote airflow and reduce heat retention, such as covered walkways and shaded areas [4]. - The use of green building materials and energy-efficient designs is emphasized, with 90% of new residential buildings in Hainan being green buildings by 2024 [5]. - The Hainan Energy Trading Building features outdoor gardens and a double-layer façade that reduces heat by 62.4%, showcasing innovative architectural solutions [5]. Group 3: Environmental and Policy Support - Hainan is integrating low-carbon strategies into the "cool city" initiative, promoting electric vehicles and achieving a 17.7% increase in new energy vehicle adoption in 2024 [5]. - The province is developing replicable demonstration projects that are quick to implement and effective, aiming to enhance urban livability across Hainan [6].

Group 1 - The article highlights the transformation of urban green spaces into beautiful gardens, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cities as they bloom in May [1] - Changchun, one of China's four garden cities, has a green coverage rate of approximately 45%, achieving the goal of "300 meters to see green, 500 meters to see a park" [4][6] - The city has planted 26,800 trees and cultivated 57,200 square meters of flower beds this year, creating 36 three-dimensional floral displays [8] Group 2 - In Ningxia Yinchuan, the city is experiencing a vibrant floral season, with streets resembling flower corridors, attracting social media attention [14][15] - Yinchuan's green maintenance center has created 19 floral landscape areas using long-blooming and colorful flower varieties [20] - In Shandong Jinan, the flower beds along major roads, particularly near scenic spots, have been designed to create a flowing floral landscape [22][24] Group 3 - The integration of flowers into urban spaces not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes to ecological benefits, such as increasing biodiversity and improving urban microclimates [29][31] - The planting of nectar-rich plants supports pollinators, which in turn attracts birds, while green belts help mitigate urban heat island effects and reduce noise pollution [31]