England Faces Record Heat Deaths; France Loosens Cheese Rules Amid Drought

England has experienced a significant increase in heat-related deaths, with over 40,000 excess fatalities recorded between 1988 and 2025. The current summer is on track to set new records for heat-related deaths, with preliminary figures for May and June alone nearly doubling the total for the entire summer of 2025. This stark data from the Office for National Statistics highlights the growing toll of the climate crisis on public health.

Meanwhile, the persistent drought and heatwaves are impacting agricultural sectors in Europe. In France, strict production rules for renowned cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, and Abondance are being temporarily relaxed. Dairy farmers are struggling as grazing pastures have dried up, leaving cows with little to eat. This measure aims to support traditional dairy workers and ensure the continued production of these iconic French cheeses.