Water: Still important, but a life-or-death substance right now as the planet grapples with extreme heat. In this striking image from Phoenix, the sun sets over the parched land as Associated Press photographer Ross Franklin captures Tony Berastegui Jr., 15, right, and his sister Giselle Berastegui, 12, drinking bottled water at temperatures reaching 115 degrees.
It’s a week of extremes across the globe as midsummer heat and nasty rain rock parts of the planet. Here’s what’s happening right now when it comes to extreme weather and climate:
“Whether you live in the Mediterranean or just sightseeing, the authorities have one recommendation: stay indoors. It’s too hot. More here from Colleen Barry and Jamey Keaten. And forest fires in Greece, Spain and Switzerland are still raging.
– In Arizona, Phoenix is struggling to beat the heat – even more so than usual for its typically sweltering climate. In fact, he broke his own record. Here is a report from Seth Borenstein and Anita Snow.
“In France, the drought and the persistent heat are worrying tourist operators for their future. Daniel Cole watches how they try to fit in.
— AP photographers capture the heat around the world. Check the images here.
— What’s another way to cool your house? Isabella O’Malley delves into the world of geothermal heat pumps.
— Finally, hang out with this graphic-rich AP project, “Climate Connections,” done in conjunction with Grist. In this document, Zoya Tierstein explores the links between climate and disease.
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QUOTE: “I have been here a long time and have been homeless for about three years. When it’s like that, just get in the shade. This past week has been the hottest I can remember. – Lisa Miccichi, 38, pushing a shopping cart full of her belongings through downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, looking for a place to shelter from the heat.
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The Associated Press’s climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For more AP climate and environment coverage, go to https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment