Climate crisis
News and analysis of the climate crisis.
MAPS: Where are all the wildfires and warnings in France right now?
Although the huge wildfires in south-west France have been declared under control, fires have broken out over the weekend across the south of the country. With heatwave and wildfire warnings continuing, we take a look at different maps that can show you the situation across the country.
The story behind the viral photo of French wildfires
The photo has gone around the world as the defining image of French wildfires, and of the climate crisis - but who took it, where is it and what does it actually show?
OPINION: French politicians are failing their trial by wildfire
Will this summer's repeated fatal heatwaves and enormous wildfires cause French politicians to get serious about tackling climate change? Don't bet on it, says John Lichfield.
Where to find help if you’re affected by France’s wildfires
Whether you’re an individual or business in need of immediate aid or longer term assistance following the wildfires, here’s where you can turn for help.
'First somewhat optimistic day' in south west France since outbreak of fire
Fire-ravaged south west France experienced its "first somewhat optimistic day" on Thursday since wildfires broke out more than a week ago, a top local official said.
Why Europe won't get any new Canadair water bombers any time soon
As firefighters struggle to contain some of the worst European wildfires in living memory with reduced numbers of aerial water bombers, production of the iconic aircraft creaks along half a world away in a Canadian factory.
Tourists from France and Spain flock to Sweden for cooler summer
More and more tourists from southern Europe – particularly France and Spain – are heading to Sweden to experience a cooler summer, according to new data from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Development.
LATEST: Rain dampens France's wildfires as Bordeaux fire 'stable'
France's wildfire situation showed signs of easing on Thursday morning, with officials reporting calmer conditions across several major fire zones and rain arriving to dampen the flames.
Wildfires in France: Will your travel insurance cover cancelled holidays?
As wildfires continue to disrupt parts of south-west France during the height of the summer holidays, many travellers are wondering if they should cancel and, if so, whether they will get their money back.
‘Not out of danger’: Residents return to scorched French village
The scent of cinder lingered in the air as Michael Elicegui sipped a coffee on a cafe terrasse after returning to his French village following a wildfire.
Mistral, enbata and autan - The French weather phenomena you need to know
Decoding France's regional winds is an important part of understanding weather conditions in the summer.
LATEST: Maps of all the water restrictions in place in France
France is facing an "exceptional and highly worrying" drought, with half the country facing the highest level of water restrictions - here are where drought measures are in place.
Wildlife face 'catastrophic' losses as France's forests burn
Deer trapped by walls of flame, lizards unable to escape the heat, habitats reduced to charred wood and ash: wildlife is paying a steep price as France's forests burn.
Macron warns French firefighters the 'weeks ahead will be tough'
President Emmanuel Macron on Monday urged firefighters battling a huge blaze in southwest France to keep up their strength for some gruelling weeks ahead.
Donations and volunteering: How can you help during wildfire season in France?
It's easy to feel powerless in the face of the ravaging wildfires that are taking place across France, but there are some ways you can help.
LATEST: France and Spain race to contain 'monster' fires ahead of new heatwave
Shelters in France and Spain on Monday overflowed with exhausted locals and holidaymakers forced to flee blazes so massive some were forming their own mini weather systems, as authorities warned a new heatwave was set to descend on parts of the region.
LATEST: Army deployed as French authorities say 220,000 evacuated from forest fire
French authorities said Sunday that more than 220,000 people have been evacuated from the wildfire raging near Bordeaux that has seen the deployment of a military plane.
Will heatwaves push European holidaymakers to 'coolcations'?
European holidaymakers worn down by recurrent heatwaves are currently snubbing Mediterranean destinations for northern climes in hopes of cooler temperatures, but it remains to be seen whether it is just a fad or a durable shift in the tourism market.
As wildfires grip France and Spain, what are the health risks from smoke?
What dangers does smoke from wildfires pose? Who is most at risk? Here are some answers to health questions often asked, especially now with large wildfires raging in France and Spain.
French vocabulary to understand wildfire warnings and evacuations
Wildfires are frightening enough without the added challenge of trying to understand emergency information in another language. Whether you're following evacuation orders, listening to local radio or reading official updates, here's the essential French vocabulary to help you stay informed.
How to get the latest wildfire information and alerts in France
With wildfires becoming more common and more extensive due to hot, dry summers, there are several apps, websites and alert systems that allow you to check the latest information in each part of France.
Explained: The causes of France's increasingly severe wildfires
France, like its Mediterranean neighbours, is seeing an increasing number of severe wildfires, with thousands of hectares burned already this summer.
France records over 5,700 excess deaths in June heatwave
France recorded 5,764 more deaths than usual during a record-breaking heatwave last month, health authorities said on Wednesday, describing the excess mortality among people aged 15 and older as "unprecedented".