New 'Hell on Earth' Phenomenon in Europe: UN Issues Stern Warning

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Extreme heatwaves sweeping across parts of Western Europe serve as a stark reminder that the climate crisis is worsening. The United Nations (UN) attributes the phenomenon to the world’s reliance on fossil fuels.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell said record-breaking temperatures across several European countries are a clear manifestation of human-induced climate change.

“Scientific evidence clearly shows that human-caused climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe,” Stiell said in a statement cited by AFP on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

He also noted extreme conditions in India, where troops are battling wildfires and local authorities have reported heat-related deaths.

International air quality monitoring platform AQI recorded that the world’s 45 hottest cities were all in India by Wednesday afternoon, all above 43°C.

“Protecting human lives, businesses, and economies from extreme heat and the escalating costs of climate change is a core concern for every nation, and it begins with rapidly phasing out fossil fuel dependence,” Stiell said.

The conflict in the Middle East has also exposed the soaring costs of fossil fuel dependence and the need to switch to cleaner energy sources, he added.

French authorities reported at least seven heat-related deaths on Tuesday, five of which were drownings as people sought refuge in water bodies.

UK authorities said four teenagers have drowned in England since Sunday.

France and the UK both recorded their hottest May days on record on Monday and again on Tuesday.

Ireland also reported May temperature records, while Spain, Italy, and Austria experienced unusually high temperatures for this time of year.