Summer 2022 was a hard time for many. Huge heat waves (热浪) swept across European countries and parts of China. They brought extreme (极端) high temperatures and drought (干旱). 

Europe has experienced its hottest summer since 1979. In Spain, temperatures quickly increased past 40℃ and it was one of the hottest summers on record. In Italy and Greece, temperatures hit 38℃ or more. Europe also experienced its most serious drought in 500 years. The dry conditions led to wildfires. The lack of rainfall caused water shortages (缺乏). As a result, water uses became a big problem. Back in China, similar things happened in the summer. Heat waves hit many places across the country. Chongqing's highest temperature reached 45℃, breaking its historical record. In August, more than 20 forest fires happened in the area.

Heat waves are more harmful than you might expect. If people stay in high temperatures for too long, the heat will harm their bodies and make people feel sick, pass out or even die. During the 2003 heat wave in Europe, about 70,000 people died. Besides this, heat waves make some infectious diseases (传染病) even more serious. 

What caused the extreme weather event? Scientists said climate change was likely to be the reason. Countries and organizations are taking action to deal with it. The European Union has set its goal to achieve net-zero emissions (净零排放) by 2050. China also has the goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions (碳排放达到峰值) before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality (碳中和) before 2060. Many countries have carried out policies (政策), like supporting green energy and making more efficient (高效的) use of energy.