France, the United Kingdom, and Spain are experiencing extreme heat not seen in a century, with temperatures in some parts of France exceeding 44°C. The heat accelerates the release of volatile toxic gases from urban road surfaces and industrial facilities, while photochemical reactions lead to severe ground-level ozone pollution. At the same time, the risk of wildfires in drought-stricken forested areas has skyrocketed; should a wildfire occur, smoke and particulate matter will cause widespread transboundary air pollution. The heat also accelerates the decomposition and deterioration of sewage in urban pipe networks, making leaks more likely and exacerbating urban water and soil pollution.
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