Europe races to adapt infrastructure for extreme heat

Europe is responding to increasingly severe heat waves that are putting pressure on transport systems, airports, roads and other infrastructure. The issue has become more urgent after a summer of drought, wildfires and record temperatures across the continent. Eurostar said it is preparing a new train fleet that can operate in temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius, or 131 degrees Fahrenheit, after recent heat waves changed its plans for future rolling stock. In Norway, airport crews have used large amounts of water to cool hot tarmac, while in Sweden and parts of southern Europe railway operators have painted tracks white to reduce heatrelated damage. Experts and officials say the challenge goes beyond shortterm fixes. Climate and insurance specialists warn that extreme heat is becoming a growing business risk, with impacts ranging from equipment failures and downtime to supply chain disruption and strain on power networks. The European Commission said it will soon present a new framework for climate resilience and risk management as policymakers look to adapt infrastructure to hotter conditions.