Athens’ Acropolis shut down due to heat wave
The Acropolis, Athens’ landmark monument, is closed this July 8, due to a heat wave afflicting Greece. The Greek capital is expected to reach a high of 100°F (38°C), along with an increased risk of wildfires. The Acropolis, which welcomed 4.5 million visitors in 2024, will remain closed between 1–5 pm local time, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Culture. It is not the first time such a measure has been taken, as similar closures occurred in June 2025 and in July 2024. This is simply the latest attempt to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, which is challenging the country as 41 fires have erupted across Greece. But Greece is not the only country affected by heat waves. Indeed, according to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change is driving these rising temperatures in various parts of the world, with serious consequences. Wildfires destroy homes and take lives, extreme heat threatens the food supply, and the elderly are especially at risk. And in Europe and Central Asia, half of all children face frequent heat waves—twice the global average of one in four children. To find out more about the biggest heat waves ever, read up on the hottest days in history in this gallery.
2025-04-11T11:30:56Z
French airport temporarily closed due to wildfire
This July 8, Marseille Provence Airport in France was temporarily closed due to a wildfire sweeping through the southern part of the country. Consequently, flights to and from the airport were canceled, diverted to other regional airports, or delayed. A message was shared on the airport’s official website, stating the following: "Due to a fire at Pennes Mirabeau, landings and takeoffs are suspended until further notice. We advise you to contact your airline for more information." Indeed, at any moment on our planet something is always burning. Wildfires are a growing threat, and they have the ability to devastate communities and reshape entire ecosystems. While it's difficult to compute the exact number of wildfires that run rampant around the world, experts have determined that more than 350 million hectares (about 865 million acres) are burned every year, including croplands, forests, and grasslands. Globally, wildfires add around five to eight billion tons of CO2 to the atmosphere annually. But why are certain regions more susceptible to such disasters? And how can nighttime make fires even deadlier? Click through this gallery to find out.
2025-04-01T19:41:36Z
