Europe heatwave sees temperatures soar to record highs as wildfires take hold in Spain

An intense heatwave has sent temperatures across Europe soaring to record highs, with central Europe forecast to hit the mid-40s on Friday.

Although heatwaves are not uncommon in Europe,
 experts say climate change is increasing their
 frequency and intensity.

New records have already been set in Poland and the Czech Republic, which both reached their highest temperatures for June on Wednesday, while Austria expects to have its warmest June on record — 4.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

In Germany, 51 observing stations broke their June temperature records this week, according to the World Meteorology Organization, but there has been some relief for northern Germany with Berlin dropping from 37C on Wednesday down to just 21C on Thursday.

Read the ABC News story - “Europe heatwave sees temperatures soar to record highs as wildfires take hold in Spain.”

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions rise again, according to delayed Federal Government data

Australia's greenhouse gas emissions have reached record highs in many sectors, continuing an upward trend that began in 2013, according to official Government figures released today.

LNG projects, like this one in the Pilbara, have
contributed to Australia's rising emissions.

The Federal Government's Quarterly Update of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the three months to December 2018 shows emissions increased by 0.8 per cent seasonally adjusted, compared to the previous quarter.

That increase was, in part, driven by emissions from LNG for export, diesel consumption across transport, and metal manufacturing. 

"While emissions increases from the rapid growth of LNG exports are included in Australia's emissions in the report, the success of this industry means that it has potentially reduced global emissions by up to 27 per cent of Australia's annual emissions in the year to December 2018," Energy Minister Angus Taylor said in a statement. 

Read the ABC News story by Penny Timms and Michael Slezak - “Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions rise again, according to delayed Federal Government data.”