Europes Deadly Heatwave Inside The 3 July Guardian Weekly

Europe’s deadly heatwave: inside the 3 July Guardian Weekly

Why was the continent so unprepared … and how to live with extreme temperatures. Plus: crisis in quake-hit Venezuela

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Europe has just sweltered through its most severe and widespread heatwave on record, affecting more than 150 million people.

For our big story this week, Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan asks why the continent – despite decades of warnings from climate scientists – was still so unprepared for extreme heat. And Angelique Chrisafis reports from France, where half of all homes have insufficient protection from high temperatures, leaving inhabitants dangerously overheated.

Ajit also looks at some of the adaptations European cities have introduced – from checking on older neighbours to greening spaces – to keep people safe when it gets too hot. Meanwhile Helen Massy-Beresford explains how Paris went into “heatwave mode” as temperatures reached record levels, suggesting France’s actions could offer a model for other countries.

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Five essential reads in this week’s edition

Spotlight | Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes
The twin tremors that hit Venezuela moments apart last Wednesday were its biggest since 1900, and at least 1,700 people have died. Clavel Rangel and Tom Phillips report on the struggle to respond

Technology | Does Toy Story 5 go hard enough on big tech?
The animated sequel sets up a tug-of-war between physical and digital play for children – but is still eager not to be an anti-tech screed, says Jesse Hassenger

Feature | Going it alone
Nato leaders fear they can no longer rely on US help if Russia attacks. As the alliance prepares to meet next week, Shaun Walker analyses the impact of Trump 2.0

Opinion | What is it like reporting from Ukraine? Words are not always enough
Charlotte Higgins has been reporting from Ukraine since 2022, and knows a mere aggregation of facts doesn’t touch the core experience of being under fire for the people she’s met there

Culture | The iconography of Frida Kahlo
The artist’s likeness has become a symbol of resistance and heroism – but the truth is more complicated. As a major exhibition opens in London, has brand Frida obscured the real Kahlo, asks Hettie Judah

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What else we’ve been reading

• The rise of Zohran Mamdani and a new wave of democratic socialists – seen in recent primary victories across the US – hints at a significant shift in the American political landscape, not least for the centrist establishment of the Democratic party. This fascinating read by David Smith asks what it could mean for the 2028 presidential race. Graham Snowdon, editor

This article on beach food instantly transported me back to the Caribbean, where some of my favourite memories are of buying fresh coconuts and snacks from street vendors by the beach. It’s a nostalgic reminder that some of the best travel experiences aren’t always found in restaurants, but in the fresh, local flavours enjoyed with your feet in the sand. Vanessa Pearce, growth executive

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Other highlights from the Guardian website

• Audio | ‘They take you out of life, out of time’: a journey into Spain’s astonishing cave paintings

• Video | Hot or not: Barney Ronay’s World Cup review so far

• Gallery | ‘Above all, there is love’: single mothers caring for disabled children

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We’d love to hear your thoughts on the magazine: for submissions to our letters page, please email weekly.letters@theguardian.com. For anything else, it’s editorial.feedback@theguardian.com

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