Current conditions: Rain storms prompted China to evacuate 240,000 in the east • A heat wave is breaking records in Moscow • Beachgoers along the Gulf of Mexico are cautioned to beware dangerous rip currents this weekend.
THE TOP FIVE
1. Fires rage in California as ‘very dangerous’ heat wave hits western states
More than 100 million people in the United States remain under heat alerts. A dangerous heat wave is baking the West, with temperatures expected to peak today and tomorrow. In some desert areas, temperatures could reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit. “It’s not your typical heat wave,” said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “This is a dangerous heat wave, this is a high-end heat wave. Very dangerous.” The heat, combined with high winds and dry conditions, have increased the risk of wildfires across California, where firefighters are already battling blazes. The Thompson Fire in Northern California scorched 3,700 acres and forced nearly 30,000 people to evacuate. “Oppressive” heat and humidity will also plague the Southeast today and tomorrow.
The Thompson Fire burns in Butte County. CAL FIRE
2. Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Mexico
Hurricane Beryl is lashing Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula after devastating Jamaica. The system, which is currently a category 2 storm, has wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour and is expected to bring a lot of rain and dangerous storm surge. Parts of southern Texas could feel the storm’s effects this weekend. At least 11 people have died in the hurricane and many buildings across several Caribbean islands remain without power.
3. Labour Party wins UK general election
The Labour Party won a landslide victory in the U.K.’s general election, which means that Keir Starmer is the new prime minister and 14 years of Conservative rule have come to an end. Starmer has vowed to transform the U.K. into a “clean energy superpower.” Here are some of his environmental pledges:
- Establish a publicly owned clean energy firm.
- Fully decarbonize the power sector by 2030.
- Double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030.
- Upgrade the grid and speed up clean energy projects.
- Deny new licenses for exploring new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.
- Ban the sale of new gas and diesel cars by 2030 and increase charging access for EVs.
The Green party saw its best election results ever, and quadrupled its representation in government.
4. EU raises tariffs on Chinese EVs
The European Union confirmed yesterday it will impose new tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EV imports. When added to the existing duty of 10%, the tax could be nearly 50%. The move is intended to protect EU car manufacturers from an influx of cheap EVs but could also increase EV prices across the bloc because, while “Chinese EVs are a relatively rare sight on U.S. roads,” they're quite common in the EU, the BBC noted.
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5. Germany makes balcony solar power a legal right
Germany passed reforms that will guarantee people living in apartments have the right to install solar systems on their balconies. The new rule means landlords or other authorities will not be able to block the installations except for in exceptional circumstances. “The right to harvest solar power is thus legally enshrined,” Carsten Körnig, the head of the BSW solar power association, said in a statement. “This is tangible climate protection and is likely ot further increase acceptance of the energy transition.” More than half of Germany’s population lives in rented housing, Reutersreported, and demand for balcony solar-power systems soared in 2023.
THE KICKER
Scientists discovered three plant species in South America that are closely related to the tree that produces cocoa beans. The discovery could help researchers produce climate-resistant cacao trees, and protect chocolate production.
The Thompson Fire burns in Butte County. 
