Scientists have discovered that a fire kept burning in Europe for between 40,000 and 300,000 years following the end-Triassic mass extinction nearly 201 million years ago. As supercontinent Pangea began to break apart, volcanoes erupted, primarily from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). This event wiped out approximately 76 per cent of all terrestrial and marine species. Huge quantities of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere as temperatures climbed by an estimated 5 to 10 degrees Celsius worldwide.&nbsp;Forests collapsed, and Northwest Europe was soon covered by ferns. An international team of scientists led by geologists at Utrecht University have suggested that the ferns were vulnerable to fire, which triggered the spread of massive wildfires. The study in the journal Nature Geoscience states that the ferns also provided the fuel in many cases, which further fuelled the wildfires.The team drilled four cores of sediments, one of which came from a depth of nearly 2,100 feet.&nbsp;They measured fossil charcoal and organic compounds produced in wildfire smoke called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to recreate the ancient wildfires. They found that during the main extinction interval, massive fires burnt in the region. This period coincided with the rapid spread of ferns.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-discover-fingerprints-of-supercontinent-gondwana-in-ancient-rocks-1789044709356">800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks</a><h2>Testing the sediment</h2>However, charcoal can break down into fragments and smoke-related molecules can travel far from the fires, exaggerating the intensity of the fires. So the team "used a simple and very low-cost technique that quantifies the ‘darkness’ of fossil pollen and spores, a so-called Palynomorph Darkness Index."&nbsp;Samples gathered from the deepest points, which were also the oldest, had light colored pollen and spores. The extinction interval fossils became progressively darker and became extremely dark brown. After the extinction interval ended, they turned a light yellow colour. When the unusual darkening was compared with other indicators of ancient fires, they found a pattern, leading them to conclude that intense wildfire activity occurred along with fern abundance during the "Dark Zone".&nbsp;Some fern species can grow back quickly, especially after a fire. Even after the leaves above the ground burn up, roots remain, which allows the plant to cover the burned areas again. Since the fern kept bouncing back, the fires persisted. The researchers estimate that they could have burnt for 40,000 years and for as long as 300,000 years.&nbsp;Some fern species form savannahs across the landscape. "When the ferns dry out, the thick mats act as the ideal fuel to trigger massive wildfires," senior author Dr Bas van de Schootbrugge said. "Ferns responded to and delivered the fuel that fanned the flames, triggering repeated massive wildfires. A truly hellish world."&nbsp;Van de Schootbrugge said that the study shows that climate change, deforestation, and certain species can once again set the stage for a new storm. &nbsp;

Wildfires burned through Europe for thousands of years during the end-Triassic mass extinction. Scientists say that as ferns spread after the collapse of forests, they created the perfect conditions to fuel further fires, creating a chain that continued for nearly 300,000 years.

Scientists have discovered that a fire kept burning in Europe for between 40,000 and 300,000 years following the end-Triassic mass extinction nearly 201 million years ago. As supercontinent Pangea began to break apart, volcanoes erupted, primarily from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). This event wiped out approximately 76 per cent of all terrestrial and marine species. Huge quantities of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere as temperatures climbed by an estimated 5 to 10 degrees Celsius worldwide. Forests collapsed, and Northwest Europe was soon covered by ferns. An international team of scientists led by geologists at Utrecht University have suggested that the ferns were vulnerable to fire, which triggered the spread of massive wildfires. The study in the journal Nature Geoscience states that the ferns also provided the fuel in many cases, which further fuelled the wildfires. The team drilled four cores of sediments, one of which came from a depth of nearly 2,100 feet. They measured fossil charcoal and organic compounds produced in wildfire smoke called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to recreate the ancient wildfires. They found that during the main extinction interval, massive fires burnt in the region. This period coincided with the rapid spread of ferns. Also Read: 800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks Testing the sediment However, charcoal can break down into fragments and smoke-related molecules can travel far from the fires, exaggerating the intensity of the fires. So the team "used a simple and very low-cost technique that quantifies the ‘darkness’ of fossil pollen and spores, a so-called Palynomorph Darkness Index." Samples gathered from the deepest points, which were also the oldest, had light colored pollen and spores. The extinction interval fossils became progressively darker and became extremely dark brown. After the extinction interval ended, they turned a light yellow colour. When the unusual darkening was compared with other indicators of ancient fires, they found a pattern, leading them to conclude that intense wildfire activity occurred along with fern abundance during the "Dark Zone". Some fern species can grow back quickly, especially after a fire. Even after the leaves above the ground burn up, roots remain, which allows the plant to cover the burned areas again. Since the fern kept bouncing back, the fires persisted. The researchers estimate that they could have burnt for 40,000 years and for as long as 300,000 years. Some fern species form savannahs across the landscape. "When the ferns dry out, the thick mats act as the ideal fuel to trigger massive wildfires," senior author Dr Bas van de Schootbrugge said. "Ferns responded to and delivered the fuel that fanned the flames, triggering repeated massive wildfires. A truly hellish world." Van de Schootbrugge said that the study shows that climate change, deforestation, and certain species can once again set the stage for a new storm.

Wildfires burned through Europe for thousands of years during the end-Triassic mass extinction. Scientists say that as ferns spread after the collapse of forests, they created the perfect conditions to fuel further fires, creating a chain that continued for nearly 300,000 years.

300,000-year wildfires - 'Hellish' fires burned through Europe after supercontinent Pangea broke up

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia has repeatedly said that is not going to attack Western countries and warned that any European military aggression against Russia would trigger a war that will be “completely different” and “very short”.&nbsp;Speaking at the International Youth Festival in the city of Yekaterinburg, Lavrov said Russian officials had over and over again stated that Moscow had no intention of attacking Europe and has “no interest in doing so.”“Russia has repeatedly said that we are not going to attack Western countries and have no interest in doing so. But if Europe, which speaks regularly about preparing for war against Russia, attacks the Russian Federation, then this will be a completely different war, and it will be very short,” he stressed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War</a>&nbsp;Lavrov criticised NATO expansion and Brussels’ war rhetoric while emphasising that confrontation was not Russia’s method, a position that had been repeatedly stated by the Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin personally.“The West made a choice long ago in favour of containing Russia,” he said, citing what he described as NATO’s “forceful” expansion toward Russia’s borders.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-carried-out-over-350-airstrikes-on-yemen-violated-sovereignty-say-houthis-1789491294418">‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official</a>&nbsp;The foreign minister also criticised statements by European leaders about the need to prepare for a war with Russia, saying the issue had become a major theme among current European political leaders in Brussels.&nbsp;Lavrov slammed European leaders in Brussels for mainstreaming rhetoric about preparing for war with Moscow.He said Europeans are openly discussing plans to deploy some kind of mobilisation force on Ukrainian territory, seeking to preserve “the openly Nazi and Russophobic regime” there.\&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-sons-accuse-asim-munir-of-holding-personal-grudge-against-imprisoned-father-1789484359759">Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father</a>&nbsp;Earlier speaking at a roundtable on Ukraine on Tuesday, Lavrov said that the objectives of the “special operation” remained unchanged from the outset that Russia wants to ensure its own security, prevent NATO from appearing on its borders, and protect the legitimate rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people.&nbsp;The International Youth Festival is taking place from September 11th to 17th in Yekaterinburg.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticised the statements made by European leaders about the need to prepare for a war with Russia, saying the issue had become a major theme among current European political leaders in Brussels.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia has repeatedly said that is not going to attack Western countries and warned that any European military aggression against Russia would trigger a war that will be “completely different” and “very short”. Speaking at the International Youth Festival in the city of Yekaterinburg, Lavrov said Russian officials had over and over again stated that Moscow had no intention of attacking Europe and has “no interest in doing so.” “Russia has repeatedly said that we are not going to attack Western countries and have no interest in doing so. But if Europe, which speaks regularly about preparing for war against Russia, attacks the Russian Federation, then this will be a completely different war, and it will be very short,” he stressed. Also Read: Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War Lavrov criticised NATO expansion and Brussels’ war rhetoric while emphasising that confrontation was not Russia’s method, a position that had been repeatedly stated by the Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin personally. “The West made a choice long ago in favour of containing Russia,” he said, citing what he described as NATO’s “forceful” expansion toward Russia’s borders. Also Read: ‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official The foreign minister also criticised statements by European leaders about the need to prepare for a war with Russia, saying the issue had become a major theme among current European political leaders in Brussels. Lavrov slammed European leaders in Brussels for mainstreaming rhetoric about preparing for war with Moscow. He said Europeans are openly discussing plans to deploy some kind of mobilisation force on Ukrainian territory, seeking to preserve “the openly Nazi and Russophobic regime” there.\ Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father Earlier speaking at a roundtable on Ukraine on Tuesday, Lavrov said that the objectives of the “special operation” remained unchanged from the outset that Russia wants to ensure its own security, prevent NATO from appearing on its borders, and protect the legitimate rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people. The International Youth Festival is taking place from September 11th to 17th in Yekaterinburg.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticised the statements made by European leaders about the need to prepare for a war with Russia, saying the issue had become a major theme among current European political leaders in Brussels.

War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning against the deployment of European troops to Ukraine, arguing that such a move could push the conflict into a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO-backed forces. The comments come amid ongoing debate in several European capitals over long-term security commitments to Kyiv. Moscow has repeatedly framed any foreign troop presence in Ukraine as a major escalation, raising concerns about the risk of a wider conflict in Europe.


Putin says European troop deployment in Ukraine risks direct military confrontation 

In the European Parliament, the Centre Right party holds the majority with 188 seats, followed by the centrist left at 136. Recently, the stark headline-making victory was in Saxony-Anhalt, East Germany, where the far-right AfD won a landslide victory. It's been building for two decades, not a sudden 2024-26 spike. The far right's EU Parliament seat share rose steadily from 8.7 per cent in 2004 to 18 per cent by 2019. Now, two far-right groups, Patriot for Europe and the European Conservatives, saw a surge in numbers to 84 and 78 seats.&nbsp;On the other hand, the rise has not been uniform. The far- right suffered a defeat in Hungary. Péter Magyar’s newly unified, pro-EU centre-right Tisza Party resoundingly ended 16 years of far-right autocratic rule of Viktor Orbán. Earlier, in February and March, French local elections saw centrist and left forces win in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. In Slovenia’s parliamentary election in March, liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement won against right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s Slovenia Democratic Party.&nbsp;Part of this change can be traced to the flow of foreign capital in Europe which have tried to shape political outcomes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kanpur-businessman-murder-daughter-in-law-6-crore-plot-1789053779233">Kanpur businessman stabbed to death: Daughter-in-law allegedly orchestrated murder</a><h2>Russian Capital flow</h2>There have been several documented cases of Russia funding and amplifying far-right and disinformation campaigns in several EU states, aiming to fracture EU unity on Ukraine sanctions. European intelligence busted a Kremlin-directed operation code-named Voice of Europe. This Prague-based media front was used to systematically funnel hidden cash to far-right and populist politicians in Germany, France, and Belgium. A joint British-Moldovan intelligence operation exposed a $104 million cryptocurrency fund used by the Kremlin to sway key elections away from pro-EU factions. Even Marie Le Pen's National Rally accepted millions in loans from Russian banks in 2014 after French banks refused to finance them; it was only fully paid off in 2023. There was also evidence of a disinformation campaign run by a Russian-backed intelligence network to sabotage Le Pen's political opponents. Europe based Carnegie claims that Russia pursues a systematic strategy of undermining elections and influencing public opinion in the West.<h2>US Capital flow</h2>The Trump administration is planning to send $4 million to support right-wing media and track migration-related "democratic backsliding" in Europe. However, this is not the first time; previously, in July and August, the Trump administration already granted around $10 million in funding through three State Department notices. The US State Department has quietly rolled out a package of at least $25 million explicitly earmarked for civil society groups working on conservative causes across Europe. The goal has moved away from the traditional US promotion of democracy and ⁠human rights.&nbsp;The latest $4 million is allocated to two different categories: $3 million for political analysis and $1 million for independent journalism. The US, specifically the MAGA movement, thinks or portrays that Europe is on the verge of “civilisation erasure”, it was already mentioned in the US National Security Strategy in 2025 that it wants to prop up the right-wing ecosystem in Europe. The results are evident: Europe has seen visible growth in far-right leaders after decades.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-capture-al-mokha-yemen-bab-el-mandeb-red-sea-1789041773019">Houthis capture Yemen's al Mokha port city, advance towards strategic Bab el-Mandeb</a><h2>Economic crisis and identity politics</h2>Though it will be hasty generalisation to overlook the social dynamics in Europe. Demographic trends and a decline in fertility rates have pushed Europe towards a pro-immigration approach. However, inflation, stagnant wages, inequality, deindustrialisation, the housing crisis, and lack of acculturation have led to immigration anxiety within the white European population. The far-right conspiracy theorists frame it as the “Great Replacement theory”, a sort of reverse colonisation of the West by people from the East. People like Elon Musk and Steve Bannon are its cheerleaders.&nbsp;The result is distrust in political institutions and a deeply polarised European society. Further short-term political strategies have also failed to address trade tensions with the US and China, war in Iran, and economic pressures, have also fed the populist sentiment, shifting the economic woes into a battle of identity.&nbsp;There are observable influences of both US and Russian capital trying to sway the European population, amplifying the populist sentiment for their own interests. However, the trend is not unilateral; it is patchy. Hungarian political sociologist and author Gabor Scheiring described this as an “illiberal pendulum”. The far right surges, falters, and allows the centre to regain ground temporarily. The centre tries to govern on the pretext that it's not “far-right” without addressing demographic decline and economic inequality, and the momentum shifts again.&nbsp;

Europe’s far right has grown steadily over two decades, but the trend remains uneven as economic anxiety, identity politics and US and Russian influence reshape politics.

In the European Parliament, the Centre Right party holds the majority with 188 seats, followed by the centrist left at 136. Recently, the stark headline-making victory was in Saxony-Anhalt, East Germany, where the far-right AfD won a landslide victory. It's been building for two decades, not a sudden 2024-26 spike. The far right's EU Parliament seat share rose steadily from 8.7 per cent in 2004 to 18 per cent by 2019. Now, two far-right groups, Patriot for Europe and the European Conservatives, saw a surge in numbers to 84 and 78 seats. On the other hand, the rise has not been uniform. The far- right suffered a defeat in Hungary. Péter Magyar’s newly unified, pro-EU centre-right Tisza Party resoundingly ended 16 years of far-right autocratic rule of Viktor Orbán. Earlier, in February and March, French local elections saw centrist and left forces win in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. In Slovenia’s parliamentary election in March, liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement won against right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s Slovenia Democratic Party. Part of this change can be traced to the flow of foreign capital in Europe which have tried to shape political outcomes. Also Read: Kanpur businessman stabbed to death: Daughter-in-law allegedly orchestrated murder Russian Capital flow There have been several documented cases of Russia funding and amplifying far-right and disinformation campaigns in several EU states, aiming to fracture EU unity on Ukraine sanctions. European intelligence busted a Kremlin-directed operation code-named Voice of Europe. This Prague-based media front was used to systematically funnel hidden cash to far-right and populist politicians in Germany, France, and Belgium. A joint British-Moldovan intelligence operation exposed a $104 million cryptocurrency fund used by the Kremlin to sway key elections away from pro-EU factions. Even Marie Le Pen's National Rally accepted millions in loans from Russian banks in 2014 after French banks refused to finance them; it was only fully paid off in 2023. There was also evidence of a disinformation campaign run by a Russian-backed intelligence network to sabotage Le Pen's political opponents. Europe based Carnegie claims that Russia pursues a systematic strategy of undermining elections and influencing public opinion in the West. US Capital flow The Trump administration is planning to send $4 million to support right-wing media and track migration-related "democratic backsliding" in Europe. However, this is not the first time; previously, in July and August, the Trump administration already granted around $10 million in funding through three State Department notices. The US State Department has quietly rolled out a package of at least $25 million explicitly earmarked for civil society groups working on conservative causes across Europe. The goal has moved away from the traditional US promotion of democracy and ⁠human rights. The latest $4 million is allocated to two different categories: $3 million for political analysis and $1 million for independent journalism. The US, specifically the MAGA movement, thinks or portrays that Europe is on the verge of “civilisation erasure”, it was already mentioned in the US National Security Strategy in 2025 that it wants to prop up the right-wing ecosystem in Europe. The results are evident: Europe has seen visible growth in far-right leaders after decades. Also Read: Houthis capture Yemen's al Mokha port city, advance towards strategic Bab el-Mandeb Economic crisis and identity politics Though it will be hasty generalisation to overlook the social dynamics in Europe. Demographic trends and a decline in fertility rates have pushed Europe towards a pro-immigration approach. However, inflation, stagnant wages, inequality, deindustrialisation, the housing crisis, and lack of acculturation have led to immigration anxiety within the white European population. The far-right conspiracy theorists frame it as the “Great Replacement theory”, a sort of reverse colonisation of the West by people from the East. People like Elon Musk and Steve Bannon are its cheerleaders. The result is distrust in political institutions and a deeply polarised European society. Further short-term political strategies have also failed to address trade tensions with the US and China, war in Iran, and economic pressures, have also fed the populist sentiment, shifting the economic woes into a battle of identity. There are observable influences of both US and Russian capital trying to sway the European population, amplifying the populist sentiment for their own interests. However, the trend is not unilateral; it is patchy. Hungarian political sociologist and author Gabor Scheiring described this as an “illiberal pendulum”. The far right surges, falters, and allows the centre to regain ground temporarily. The centre tries to govern on the pretext that it's not “far-right” without addressing demographic decline and economic inequality, and the momentum shifts again.

Europe’s far right has grown steadily over two decades, but the trend remains uneven as economic anxiety, identity politics and US and Russian influence reshape politics.

Is Europe’s shift to the far right monolithic and spontaneous?

Indian refineries are emerging as a major supplier of diesel to Europe, accounting for around 60% of the region’s diesel imports. The development highlights India’s growing role in global fuel markets and the importance of its refining capacity to European energy supplies.

Indian refineries account for about 60% diesel to Europe 

Europe's standoff with Moscow just sharpened. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg will shut — a retaliatory move after Berlin's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russian leadership of being behind an explosives-laden drone found near a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport.


Russia shuts German cultural centres amid rising tensions

Europe is bracing for a more expensive winter as natural gas prices continue to climb and fuel markets tighten. October gas contracts have surged around 10% in a week, raising concerns over household energy bills and broader inflation. At the same time, large diesel shipments are being redirected to Europe to meet demand. While storage levels remain relatively healthy, policymakers and consumers alike are watching energy markets closely as colder months approach and supply risks persist.


Europe's winter energy crisis: Rising gas prices spark fresh cost fears

The frozen top of the world is rapidly turning into a dangerous flashpoint. 
As polar ice recedes, uncovering lucrative trade lanes and vast mineral riches, 
NATO and Russia are rushing warships, strike jets, and elite troops into the freezing waters. With Moscow now issuing explicit nuclear warnings over Western expansion, 
the high North has become the frontline of a terrifying new Cold War. 
Russia sees NATO activity in the Arctic as a direct security threat, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in ​an article, as the alliance members boost ‌their presence in the region in the wake of Russia's war on Ukraine.

NATO troops gather in Arctic, Russia threatens nuclear retaliation

Is Putin REALLY isolated?

Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure have failed to cut Russia off from the wider world.

But with Europe tightening the screws, Britain supplying long-range missiles and NATO on alert, how much room does Putin really have?

And where does India stand between Washington, Moscow and Beijing?

The Verdict.

Putin may be isolated, but SCO showed Russia is not cut off 

Russia found itself at the center of global attention during the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan. While European ministers reportedly refused to pose for a group photo with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, President Vladimir Putin used the summit to showcase Moscow’s diplomatic reach. Putin held a series of high-profile bilateral meetings, reiterated Russia’s willingness to sell oil to Europe, and declared that Moscow seeks to end—not freeze—the war in Ukraine.


Europe rejects at Russia G20 Finance Ministers' meet

NATO countries are reporting a surge in drone incursions and suspected hybrid warfare activities amid growing tensions with Russia. European governments have raised concerns about covert operations, cyber threats, infrastructure sabotage, and surveillance efforts targeting strategic assets. As security agencies investigate a series of incidents, the debate over Russia's alleged hybrid warfare strategy is intensifying.


Report: Iran war drained US patriot missile in Europe

A deep partial lunar eclipse captivated skywatchers across several parts of the world as Earth’s shadow covered most of the Moon. With up to 96% of the lunar surface obscured, the rare celestial spectacle was visible across parts of the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, offering stunning views of the Moon passing through Earth’s shadow.

Deep Lunar Eclipse captivates global skywatchers

Russia's alleged hybrid warfare raises tensions across European capitals

At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four record-breaking, back-to-back heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected.

Excess mortality in three of the EU’s larger countries, Germany, France and Spain, alone has already exceeded 25,000, according to the provisional national figures, and experts say the toll will rise significantly once August totals are consolidated.

Europe heatwave: at least 35,000 excess deaths recorded across Europe this summer

It's a dangerous escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia has reportedly launched a fresh wave of attacks on European armaments factories to test NATO's resolve.
As the UK PM's move to hand over missile blueprints to Ukraine triggers a major escalation, where are things headed?

Russia's secret war spreads across Europe: weapons factories targeted, UK gives missile tech to Kyiv

Israel's plan to advance tenders for around 1,200 settlement homes in the strategically sensitive E1 area of the occupied West Bank has drawn strong condemnation from major Western allies. The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the move “unacceptable” and urged Israel to withdraw the plans, warning that development in E1 could undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Gaza ceasefire efforts stall as humanitarian crisis worsens 

According to recent intelligence and reports from the Financial Times, Iran has actively considered expanding its retaliatory capabilities to target United States military assets and sites in Europe—including locations in Bulgaria and Cyprus—should the U.S. restart military engagements or escalate conflicts.


Report says Iran planning to expand retaliatory attacks to Europe if US restarts war

Europe’s heatwaves are increasingly becoming an economic problem.

The hidden bill of Europe’s heatwaves

Europe is battling a brutal summer of extreme heat and devastating wildfires. Belgium has recorded some of its worst fires in decades, while thousands have been evacuated across Spain and Greece. Reports estimate around 16,000 excess deaths linked to the heat, with economic losses potentially crossing €200 billion. From scorched forests to overwhelmed communities, Europe is facing a climate crisis with a staggering human and economic cost.


Europe burns under extreme heat: Recorded 16,000 excess deaths

Reports indicate that Russia is building secret drone depots close to NATO airspace. These sites are designed to launch high-speed Russian Geran-5 jet-powered drones with a 1,000-kilometre range. These bases put NATO nations directly in the line of fire. 

This comes amidst reports of NATO's plan to increase nuclear-capable forces by 250 percent in europe. The video details where are nuclear weapons stationed across europe and the comparative nuclear weapons of Russia and the U.S.

Russia's secret drone bases put Europe on high alert  | NATO plans 250% surge in nukes

Europe burns under extreme heat: Wildfires, deaths & €200 billion losses 

Japan is seeing strong tourism growth as visitors from Asia, the US, Europe and South Korea help make up for shifts in travel patterns. The surge highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a major global tourism destination and provides a boost to its travel and hospitality sectors.

Japan tourism: 1.3% rise in visitor spend | Outbound tourism on decline 

Japan makes up for lost tourism from Asia, US, Europe & Korea

Europe’s record-breaking summer heat is no longer just a weather story; it is becoming an economic one. A latest analysis by Triodos bank estimates extreme heat and wildfires could cost the European Union around 208 billion dollars this year, roughly one percent of the bloc’s GDP. And that is significant because it is almost exactly the amount of economic growth the EU was expecting in 2026.

Europe’s heatwave comes with a big cost

A severe wave of wildfires is spreading across Europe, fueled by an intense summer heatwave, extreme drought and strong winds. Blazes have forced mass evacuations, destroyed homes and stretched emergency services, with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre warning of very extreme fire danger across parts of Central and Eastern Europe.

Europe Wildfires: Belgium, France, Croatia & Germany scorched by wildfires 

Ukraine’s steel industry is facing a new challenge, this time from its biggest export market, the European Union. The sector has survived years of Russian attacks, but new EU import quotas and carbon tariffs are now putting further pressure on steelmakers. At the Zaporizhstal plant, workers are already considering major changes to production.

Ukraine steel industry faces new EU curbs

Europe's brutal 2026 fire season shows no signs of slowing. Wildfires have scorched 37,000 hectares in Spain, while crews in Bosnia battle to contain a vast forest fire of their own. Meanwhile, England is grappling with a historic drought, with dry conditions fueling blazes that have damaged properties across the country.


Europe burns: Wildfires rage in Spain and Bosnia; England battles historic drought

Australia has deployed a CH-47D Chinook, a Bell 412 support aircraft and 24 NSW Rural Fire Service personnel to France to help battle severe seasonal wildfires. The team was transported by Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft, marking the service's first-ever deployment to Europe for wildfire response.

Advanced Australian Chinook helicopter deployed to France

A relentless heatwave is gripping parts of Asia and Europe, with soaring temperatures and worsening drought creating fresh concerns over water, homes and livelihoods. South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since 1904, while parts of Indonesia have gone months without rain. England and Wales also endured their driest July in 190 years, highlighting the growing reach of extreme weather.


Extreme heat and drought across Asia, Europe

Asia and Europe bake under record heat and brutal drought

As Arctic ice retreats, China is turning a once-impenetrable frozen frontier into a potential new trade corridor.  A route that could slash sailing times between China and Europe, reduce dependence on crowded maritime chokepoints and give China a new strategic link to Western markets. China calls it the “Ice Silk Road.” 

 Russia, China, US are all eyeing the Arctic

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