The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is in the eye of the Ukraine war after Kyiv accused Russia of shelling the plant again. Is Europe staring at a catastrophic nuclear disaster? Molly Gambhir explains.

WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories

An area equivalent to the size of one-fifth of Belgium has been destroyed by fires throughout Europe after a series of scorching heatwaves and a record-breaking drought, which might push&nbsp;the entire continent towards a record-breaking year for wildfire destruction, experts predict.

As per data revealed by the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis), 659,541 hectares of land burned over the continent between the time periods of January and August, which is the largest ever recorded since records began in 2006. The data stated that the total land area burned across the continent is twice as large as it was during 2006–2021. However, the overall number of fires has increased by more than four times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-in-2022-brings-unprecedented-fire-activity-in-sw-europe-record-wildfire-carbon-output-globally-506627">Climate change in 2022 brings unprecedented fire activity in SW Europe, record wildfire carbon output globally</a>

The figures surpassed the previous record of 2017 by 56 per cent. Presently, over a million hectares of land could be destroyed by wildfires this year as anticipated by the current trends, The Guardian reported.

The statistics were made public after the European Union’s Copernicus atmosphere monitoring service (Cams), issued a warning last week stating that there was a severe fire hazard in Western Europe. According to Cams, active fires were higher than average in Spain, France, and Portugal in July and August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wildfires-continue-to-rage-in-france-mass-evacuation-ordered-505781">Wildfires continue to rage in France; mass evacuation ordered</a>

Nearly 10,000 people were evacuated during the Landiras fire in France. It burned through 14,000 hectares in July. Similarly, a major wildfire that had been raging for a week in Serra da Estrela was brought under control by Portugal on Saturday.

However, in Spain, a fire in Zaragoza forced the evacuation of eight communities and 1,500 people after the authorities claimed that the fire was out of control and had destroyed nearly 8,000 hectares. According to Effis’s stats, the overall area burned in wildfires so far this year is nearly four times the nation’s full-year average of 66,965 hectares since 2006.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An area equivalent to the size of one-fifth of Belgium has been destroyed by fires throughout Europe after a series of scorching heatwaves and a record-breaking drought, which might push the entire continent towards a record-breaking year for wildfire destruction, experts predict.

An area equivalent to the size of one-fifth of Belgium has been destroyed by fires throughout Europe after a series of scorching heatwaves and a record-breaking drought, which might push the entire continent towards a record-breaking year for wildfire destruction, experts predict. As per data revealed by the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis), 659,541 hectares of land burned over the continent between the time periods of January and August, which is the largest ever recorded since records began in 2006. The data stated that the total land area burned across the continent is twice as large as it was during 2006–2021. However, the overall number of fires has increased by more than four times. Also read | Climate change in 2022 brings unprecedented fire activity in SW Europe, record wildfire carbon output globally The figures surpassed the previous record of 2017 by 56 per cent. Presently, over a million hectares of land could be destroyed by wildfires this year as anticipated by the current trends, The Guardian reported. The statistics were made public after the European Union’s Copernicus atmosphere monitoring service (Cams), issued a warning last week stating that there was a severe fire hazard in Western Europe. According to Cams, active fires were higher than average in Spain, France, and Portugal in July and August. Also read | Wildfires continue to rage in France; mass evacuation ordered Nearly 10,000 people were evacuated during the Landiras fire in France. It burned through 14,000 hectares in July. Similarly, a major wildfire that had been raging for a week in Serra da Estrela was brought under control by Portugal on Saturday. However, in Spain, a fire in Zaragoza forced the evacuation of eight communities and 1,500 people after the authorities claimed that the fire was out of control and had destroyed nearly 8,000 hectares. According to Effis’s stats, the overall area burned in wildfires so far this year is nearly four times the nation’s full-year average of 66,965 hectares since 2006. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Raging wildfires might push Europe towards record-breaking destruction, says experts

Europe is facing weeks of breaking temperatures as France with massive droughts, persistent wildfires and successive heat waves sends alarming signs of climate change.

WION Climate Tracker | Europe reels as repeated heatwaves cause chaos, wildfires tear through

IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'

Europe is suffering from prolonged drought and as per experts drought could become continent's worst in 500 years. Major rivers are drying up in Europe.

WION Climate Tracker: Europe suffers from prolonged drought, major rivers drying up

2022 was a record year for wildfires in southwestern Europe. The year is also the fourth-highest in terms of wildfire carbon output globally.

Scientists have warned that heatwaves like the recent hot and dry stretch over Western Europe are becoming much more common as a result of man-made climate change.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Devastating &amp; Treacherous wildfires | EU nations to aid French wildfire fight

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According to Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), tens of thousands of hectares of forest in France, Portugal, and Spain have gone up in smoke&nbsp;this year.

Because of an extended heatwave that saw temperature records shatter, France has reached unprecedented levels of carbon pollution from wildfires in the last three months, reports AFP. As per the European Union's satellite monitoring programme, they are at their highest level since records began in 2003.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bolsonaro-climate-change-and-fires-the-story-of-amazon-rainforests-devastation-506070">Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation</a>

CAMS reported that the daily total fire radiative power in France, Spain, and Portugal in July and August was "significantly higher" than usual.&nbsp;The agency has warned that&nbsp;a huge chunk of Western Europe is currently in "extreme fire danger," with other areas in "very extreme fire danger."

"The very extreme fire danger ratings that have been forecasted for large areas of southern Europe mean that the scale and intensity of any fires can be greatly increased, and this is what we have been observing in our emissions estimates and the impacts it has on local air quality,"&nbsp;said Mark Parrington, CAMS senior scientist.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wildfires-continue-to-rage-in-france-mass-evacuation-ordered-505781">Wildfires continue to rage in France; mass evacuation ordered</a>

​​​​​​​Elsewhere, in Brazil, according to official numbers released Monday, the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon climbed by 8 per cent last month compared to July 2021, sounding the latest alarm for the world's largest rainforest.

While far from the worst July on record (19,364 fires in 2005), satellite monitoring recorded 5,373 fires last month, up from 4,977 in July last year, according to INPE, Brazil's space agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

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(With inputs from agencies)

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2022 was a record year for wildfires in southwestern Europe. The year is also the fourth-highest in terms of wildfire carbon output globally. Scientists have warned that heatwaves like the recent hot and dry stretch over Western Europe are becoming much more common as a result of man-made climate change.

2022 was a record year for wildfires in southwestern Europe. The year is also the fourth-highest in terms of wildfire carbon output globally. Scientists have warned that heatwaves like the recent hot and dry stretch over Western Europe are becoming much more common as a result of man-made climate change. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Devastating & Treacherous wildfires | EU nations to aid French wildfire fight According to Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), tens of thousands of hectares of forest in France, Portugal, and Spain have gone up in smoke this year. Because of an extended heatwave that saw temperature records shatter, France has reached unprecedented levels of carbon pollution from wildfires in the last three months, reports AFP. As per the European Union's satellite monitoring programme, they are at their highest level since records began in 2003. Also read | Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation CAMS reported that the daily total fire radiative power in France, Spain, and Portugal in July and August was "significantly higher" than usual. The agency has warned that a huge chunk of Western Europe is currently in "extreme fire danger," with other areas in "very extreme fire danger." "The very extreme fire danger ratings that have been forecasted for large areas of southern Europe mean that the scale and intensity of any fires can be greatly increased, and this is what we have been observing in our emissions estimates and the impacts it has on local air quality," said Mark Parrington, CAMS senior scientist. Also read | Wildfires continue to rage in France; mass evacuation ordered Elsewhere, in Brazil, according to official numbers released Monday, the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon climbed by 8 per cent last month compared to July 2021, sounding the latest alarm for the world's largest rainforest. While far from the worst July on record (19,364 fires in 2005), satellite monitoring recorded 5,373 fires last month, up from 4,977 in July last year, according to INPE, Brazil's space agency. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate change in 2022 brings unprecedented fire activity in SW Europe, record wildfire carbon output globally

Britain's energy bill in 2023 is expected to top $5,000, the equivalent of two months' wages. Gas supply disruptions in Europe could trigger power cuts during the winter. Palki Sharma tells you more about Britain's energy crisis.

Gravitas: Britain's energy bill to cost two months' salary

Europe is dealing with a historic drought and almost all of France is now under some level of water restrictions. Water bans are hitting businesses and citizens alike but golf courses in the country are staying green.

Europe: Golf courses stay green amid France drought, owners allowed to water

Europe reels under a scorching summer and one of the continent's major rivers is getting drier with each passing day. Water levels of the Rhine River has fallen dangerously low due to a prolonged drought in Germany which has become a major cause of concern for the people and businesses that depend on it.

Germany: Rhine river water level falls to new low, drops below 40 centimetre threshold

Europe's largest nuclear power plant is now at the centre of the war in Ukraine. The UN has issued a warning. It says the fighting at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant could lead to a nuclear disaster. India has called for restraint. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Europe's largest nuclear power plant at the centre of war

France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands are facing water shortages. Riverbeds are drying out across Europe and drought is devastating European landscapes.

WION Climate Tracker: Riverbeds are drying out across Europe

Wine bottles featuring an image of Adolf Hitler on their labels have sparked outrage after it was reported that they were being sold in supermarkets. Eric Njoka brings you the story.

WION Fineprint |Hitler-themed wine for sale in supermarkets sparks outrage

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket.

"I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters.

"Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview.

"SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at."

Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase.

"We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration.

"We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said.

SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker.

Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6.

Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch.

On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions.

'WAKE-UP CALL'

Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year.

Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback.

"But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for."

Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working.

"This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence."

However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024".

But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans.

"The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets. The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket. "I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters. "Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview. "SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at." Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase. "We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration. "We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said. SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment. SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker. Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6. Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch. On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions. 'WAKE-UP CALL' Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year. Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback. "But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for." Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working. "This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence." However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS). Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024". But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans. "The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

Europe eyes Elon Musk's SpaceX to bridge launch gap left by Russia tensions

European rivers run dry as the continent reels under its worst drought in 500 years. Almost 63% of European and British lands are now on drought alert. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets a report on Europe's climate emergency.

Gravitas: Europe faces worst drought in 500 years

The summer season has been extremely harsh in Europe. Series of heat waves led to droughts like never before and today over 60% of Europe is either under drought alert or facing warning.

WION Climate Tracker | Over 64% of Europe faces drought; UK faced driest July in over 20 years

Amid a global pandemic, a war between two nations and a breakdown in the supply chain system resulting in sky-high inflation rates, most countries and their economies are in the doldrums.

Amid a global pandemic, a war between two nations and a breakdown in the supply chain system resulting in sky-high inflation rates, most countries and their economies are in the doldrums. Industry experts have been fuelling fears that a global recession is just around the corner. Now, a Bloomberg survey has attempted to gauge the percentage probabilities of various countries slipping into recession. While the survey results may be cheerful for a country like India, it is not so much for Sri Lanka, the US or even the whole of Europe. According to the survey, the island nation of Sri Lanka is at the precipice of recession. There is an 85 per cent probability that Sri Lanka slips into recession, as early as next year. The sharp tumble in fortunes is a marked departure from the 33 per cent chance recorded last year. Contrary to Sri Lanka, its neighbouring country of India has a zero probability of facing a severe economic slump, according to the economists involved in the research. Despite the Indian rupee touching a historical low against the US dollar, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been able to keep the economy in good shape by increasing lending rates or repo rates by 90 basis points cumulatively in the various monetary meetings. What about US? However, the US has not fared well in the survey as economists believe that there is a 40 per cent chance of the country slipping into a recession by next year. It is pertinent to note that the inflation rate in the US increased by a whopping 8.6 per cent in May 2022, reaching a forty-year high. Nearly every US-based brokerage firm is of the same view that the US can easily slip into recession if course-corrective measures are not employed. Read More: Major economies to enter recession in the next 12 months: Report As for other countries, the survey shows that China, Taiwan and Australia have a 20 per cent chance of slipping into recession. Meanwhile, New Zealand has a 33 per cent chance. On a whole, Asia is still finely balanced with only a 20-25 per cent probability of a recession. However, with the Russia Ukraine crisis affecting the entire landscape of Europe, the probability meter has crept up to 55 per cent for the continent. Read More: Recession in Germany? Business confidence slumps to two-year low (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zero probability of recession in India while US has a 40 per cent chance: Study

Energy supply concerns grip three European nations as Russian oil supply through Ukraine has been halted. According to Russian oil firm Transneft, transit payment issues was the reason behind its move.

Russian oil transit halted via Druzhba pipeline to central Europe

Europe's travel chaos has eased a bit with airlines schedule coming back on track. However, hectic negotiations still continue in some quarters to avert further workers crisis. Lufthansa, the German carrier is seeking to avert strike now with confidential pay talks with pilots.

Lufthansa strikes deal with ground staff, Europe's travel chaos eases

Heat wave has caused drought in Europe and lack of rain has impacted crops. France and parts of England saw their driest July on record.

WION Climate Tracker: Europe bakes in 3rd heat wave since June

The European court has rejected an appeal by the parents of Archie Battersbee as they fight to keep their son's life support. Molly Gambhir tells you who decides when life support ends for a patient.

WION Fineprint | Archie Battersbee: Who decides when life support ends?

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable&nbsp;rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported. Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of the town Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in a Twitter post said, that an average rescue effort costs around&nbsp;€10,000 ($10,236), while the funeral costs come up to about €5,000 ($5,117).&nbsp;

Peillex said that most climbers are&nbsp;unqualified to summit the mountain and are risking their life by doing so, especially with hot weather conditions making the journey even more dangerous.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russian-climber-dies-on-mount-everest-camp-says-official-477347">Russian climber dies on Mount Everest camp, says official</a>

 
In his Twitter post, Peillex talked about how several “pseudo-mountaineers” have been ignoring the warnings. He mentioned one particular episode when five Romanian visitors “wearing shorts, trainers and straw hats” were turned back by the mountain police.

"These people are climbing with death in their backpacks...it is unacceptable that French taxpayers should pay for their rescue and funeral," Peillex said.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the place from where climbers can move towards the top of the peak via the Goûter Route. Notably, the route has been declared unsafe and operations along it were suspended in mid-July due to heavy rockfall. Over 100 people in the past 20 years have lost their lives on this route, the Guardian reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/missing-australian-and-canadian-climbers-found-dead-on-pakistans-k2-501569">Missing Australian and Canadian climbers found dead on mount K2</a>

 
In early July, a huge chunk of ice broke away from a glacier on the north side of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites killing 11 people.

More recently, 13 climbers heading to Monte Cervino had to be rescued due to a landslide, following which a path leading to it from the Italian side was temporarily shut, The Guardian reported.

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported.

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported. Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of the town Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in a Twitter post said, that an average rescue effort costs around €10,000 ($10,236), while the funeral costs come up to about €5,000 ($5,117). Peillex said that most climbers are unqualified to summit the mountain and are risking their life by doing so, especially with hot weather conditions making the journey even more dangerous. Also Read | Russian climber dies on Mount Everest camp, says official In his Twitter post, Peillex talked about how several “pseudo-mountaineers” have been ignoring the warnings. He mentioned one particular episode when five Romanian visitors “wearing shorts, trainers and straw hats” were turned back by the mountain police. "These people are climbing with death in their backpacks...it is unacceptable that French taxpayers should pay for their rescue and funeral," Peillex said. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the place from where climbers can move towards the top of the peak via the Goûter Route. Notably, the route has been declared unsafe and operations along it were suspended in mid-July due to heavy rockfall. Over 100 people in the past 20 years have lost their lives on this route, the Guardian reported. Also Read | Missing Australian and Canadian climbers found dead on mount K2 In early July, a huge chunk of ice broke away from a glacier on the north side of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites killing 11 people. More recently, 13 climbers heading to Monte Cervino had to be rescued due to a landslide, following which a path leading to it from the Italian side was temporarily shut, The Guardian reported.

Want to climb Mont Blanc? You might have to pay a 'rescue and funeral' deposit of $15,300

Struggling European lender, Credit Suisse, is seeking to slash its overall cost base by additional one billion dollar. The executives of the company are discussing to reduce thousands of jobs globally to achieve this objective.

Struggling Credit Suisse to reduce headcount

If you are planning to beat the heat in Spain with a cold drink, there are chances that your drink might not be cold enough because restaurants and bars in Spain are running out of ice.

WION Climate Tracker: Spain orders temperature limit for businesses

Half of the Europe is facing heat wave and the other half is running out of water. The Netherlands has officially run out of water. Dutch government has declared a water shortage.

WION Climate Tracker: Netherlands: 'Land of water' running out of water

Croatia has been battling wildfires amid soaring temperatures. The raging fires are now threatening the coastal town of Vodice. The police had to block the roads in the country as firefighters doused the fire.

WION Climate Tracker | Fire threatens coastal town of Vodice | Authorities cordon off affected areas

Europe is battling with intense heat wave and wildfires; new wildfire has erupted near Madrid. Four firefighters left injured while fighting blaze.

WION Climate Tracker: New wildfire erupts near Madrid | Firefighters battle blazes across Italy

Researchers have discovered a never-seen-before species of European Panda that according to estimates roamed the continent some six million years ago. The discovery of this species—likely the last panda of Europe—began with the finding of a pair of fossil teeth that had been lying in a storage facility undiscovered for 40 years.&nbsp;As per a Live Science report the fossil, which consists of an upper canine and an upper molar, was discovered in northwest Bulgaria in the late 1970s, but they were eventually left in storage at the Bulgarian National Museum of Natural History in Sofia.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Pandas are 99% vegetarian &amp; only feed on bamboos

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It's astonishing that this discovery remained undiscovered for forty years because it wasn't properly catalogued and was thus left untouched for forty long years. Recently, museum staff stumbled onto the peculiar-looking teeth and decided to investigate further.

An analysis of the teeth soon revealed that they were unlike any of the previously identified species of European pandas or the discovered fossils. The species which has been named Agriarctos Nikolovi had much larger teeth than the majority of European panda species. The giant pandas we know today have large teeth, and the newly discovered Agriarctos Nikolovi's teeth come close.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/when-did-pandas-start-eating-bamboo-scientists-have-answer-493490">When did pandas start eating bamboo? Scientists have answer</a>

In addition, the teeth are significantly more recent than other panda fossils found in Europe, some of which are over 10 million years old, indicating that A. Nikolovi was probably the final panda species to inhabit the continent.

However, despite the similarities the modern pandas are not a direct descendent of this species, but "is a close relative" says study co-author Nikolai Spassov, a palaeontologist at the Bulgarian National Museum of Natural History.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-oldest-giant-male-panda-an-an-dies-at-35-499387" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-oldest-giant-male-panda-an-an-dies-at-35-499387&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ3ez13qX5AhXZklYBHX_GAGsQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YaUShyDRO2cpvlj7wDFfB" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-oldest-giant-male-panda-an-an-dies-at-35-499387" target="_blank">World's oldest giant male&nbsp;panda&nbsp;'An An' dies at 35</a>

"This discovery shows how little we still know about ancient nature," he remarked.

The authors of the study speculate that A. Nikolovi's habitat and diet may have been impacted by climate change, which may have ultimately led to its extinction.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Researchers have discovered a never-seen-before species of European Panda that according to estimates roamed the continent some six million years ago. The discovery of this species—likely the last panda of Europe—began with the finding of a pair of fossil teeth that had been lying in a storage facility undiscovered for 40 years.

Researchers have discovered a never-seen-before species of European Panda that according to estimates roamed the continent some six million years ago. The discovery of this species—likely the last panda of Europe—began with the finding of a pair of fossil teeth that had been lying in a storage facility undiscovered for 40 years. As per a Live Science report the fossil, which consists of an upper canine and an upper molar, was discovered in northwest Bulgaria in the late 1970s, but they were eventually left in storage at the Bulgarian National Museum of Natural History in Sofia. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Pandas are 99% vegetarian & only feed on bamboos It's astonishing that this discovery remained undiscovered for forty years because it wasn't properly catalogued and was thus left untouched for forty long years. Recently, museum staff stumbled onto the peculiar-looking teeth and decided to investigate further. An analysis of the teeth soon revealed that they were unlike any of the previously identified species of European pandas or the discovered fossils. The species which has been named Agriarctos Nikolovi had much larger teeth than the majority of European panda species. The giant pandas we know today have large teeth, and the newly discovered Agriarctos Nikolovi's teeth come close. Also read | When did pandas start eating bamboo? Scientists have answer In addition, the teeth are significantly more recent than other panda fossils found in Europe, some of which are over 10 million years old, indicating that A. Nikolovi was probably the final panda species to inhabit the continent. However, despite the similarities the modern pandas are not a direct descendent of this species, but "is a close relative" says study co-author Nikolai Spassov, a palaeontologist at the Bulgarian National Museum of Natural History. Also read | World's oldest giant male panda 'An An' dies at 35 "This discovery shows how little we still know about ancient nature," he remarked. The authors of the study speculate that A. Nikolovi's habitat and diet may have been impacted by climate change, which may have ultimately led to its extinction. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Teeth that were 'gathering dust for 40 years', lead to the discovery of Europe's last Panda

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on workers in the public and private sectors to stop wearing ties, as an energy-saving measure in the heat. Sanchez also added that his government will adopt urgent energy-saving measures on Monday as European countries strive to become less dependent on Russian gas.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez urges employees to stop wearing ties to save energy

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Spain reports first Monkeypox-related death in Europe; One death also reported in Brazil

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