A World Weather Attribution study identifies extreme heat, rather than declining rainfall alone, as the main factor intensifying drought, wildfires and water shortages across Europe. Dry riverbeds, scorched forests and prolonged heat reflect the growing impact of climate-driven drought across Europe. Climate change is worsening drought across Europe, as heat episodes accelerate the loss of water through evapotranspiration, dry out soils and create conditions that increase the risk of wildfires, according to a study by World Weather Attribution (WWA). Researchers say climate change is intensifying heat and drought, creating conditions for larger and more destructive wildfire seasons across Europe. The drying of Europe’s major rivers, another consequence of climate change, is affecting inland water transport and putting energy production at risk.