In brief | 2 October '26

Copernicus: Record heat stress and low river flows marked Europe’s 2026 summer

Europe’s summer was defined by extreme heatwaves and dry conditions, with a record 52 percent of the continent exposed to ‘very strong’ heat stress by the end of the season.

Inside Climate News: Mass heat wave deaths in Europe show climate extremes are outpacing adaptation efforts

As preparedness lags, many regions around the world could be overwhelmed by rising temperatures, climate experts warn.

ECIU: European drought and heat hits grain farmers harder than feared – costs up to €3.2 billion

This summer’s extreme heat and drought has been unprecedented, costing Europe production equivalent to the entire grain output of Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands combined.

Rapporteur: Berlin pitches nuclear-friendly rewrite of EU 2040 renewables target

The EU needs to recognise ‘non-renewable, low-carbon energy’, the energy ministry says.

FT: EU countries in crisis talks over release of diesel stocks

Governments in crisis talks after US president Donald Trump threatened diesel export ban.

FP: Oil is again flowing out of Hormuz

But the continued shortfall of refined products means little relief at the pump.

DW: Why Europe is bracing for a winter of soaring energy prices

The European Union's energy ministers are searching for ways to contain the impact of rising energy prices.

Euronews: ‘Releasing strategic reserves is a possibility,’ EU energy chief says as diesel squeeze bites

Member states are discussing a coordinated release through the IEA, as the US pressures Europe to put more oil on the market.

FT: France and Germany inch towards grand bargain on EU car regulation

Deal looks set to include weaker emissions standards. 

AP: Wind turbine taller than the Eiffel Tower aims to boost German electricity production

The prototype reached its full height this week and is due to be inaugurated in mid-November.

E3G: Elevating climate in EU foreign policy – from crisis to strategy

With the global climate and energy transition now widely recognised as a security, economic and geopolitical issue, the EU’s foreign policy strategy cannot afford to sideline climate policy. 

Reuters: Pacific Islands get their climate moment with pre-COP meeting, but the guest list is thin

Talks in Fiji to advance UN climate change conference COP31 negotiations.

McKinsey & Company: Global Energy Perspective 2026 – report 

Energy demand is growing, AI is creating a new source of power demand, geopolitics is reshaping supply chains, and affordability and security have moved alongside decarbonization as defining considerations.