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Climate threat Extreme weather in Europe
More people use AC in the heat - a challenge for energy systems

The summer heat waves have put a strain on Europe's energy systems. During the period between June 23 and July 3, electricity use increased by 7.5 percent compared to the same period last year, reports the Financial Times. In Spain, which had temperatures of around 40 degrees, demand for electricity increased by 16 percent. The increased use of air conditioning is one of the explanations.

At the same time, the heat led to several nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power plants being forced to reduce production.

Historically, electricity use in Europe has been highest during the cold winter months.

– But that could change as summers get warmer, says researcher Jon Rosenow to the newspaper.

Earthquake in the Pacific Ocean
Eruption in Russian volcano after the quake – first in 600 years

A volcano on the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula erupted overnight for the first time since 1463, Reuters reports, citing Russian authorities. The eruption may have been triggered by the powerful earthquake in the Pacific Ocean earlier this week.

The eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano, which is located at an altitude of 1,863 meters, led to a 6,000-meter-high ash column. The ash cloud has begun to move eastward towards the Pacific Ocean and may affect air traffic. It is not expected to pass through any inhabited areas.

US job figures
Analysis: Trump's rule increasingly resembles something out of Orwell

There have been similar signs before, but this was the week when Donald Trump's rule took on authoritarian features, writes CNN's Aaron Blake.

First came the news that the White House had pressured the Smithsonian's National History Museum to remove an information sign about Trump's two impeachment charges. A few days later, Trump announced that he was firing a statistical director at the Labor Department because of poor job figures. Blake calls the development "Orwellian" and potentially very damaging. It is a sure recipe for getting made-up figures. Figures that investors, business leaders and political decision-makers will then have to relate to.

"What happens if the next jobs report is good? Will the market believe it?" writes Blake.

The New York Times' Peter Baker also warns of the consequences of McEntarfer's dismissal. It is also based on incorrect premises. Trump claimed, among other things, that McEntharfer presented good numbers for Joe Biden before the election and adjusted them down shortly after Trump's election victory in 2024.

"It's just that in reality it was the exact opposite. The number was revised down in August 2024 - before the election, not after."