Heat & health: Europe’s extreme heat is turning into a health emergency, with four heatwaves pushing around 80 million people into 40°C+ conditions and provisional estimates pointing to at least 35,000 extra deaths, while wildfire risk keeps climbing. Wildfires: The EU recorded over 600,000 hectares burned in the first eight months of 2026, above the 20-year average, as climate change and land-use shifts amplify fire spread. Oceans & El Niño: Copernicus reports record ocean temperatures driven by El Niño and human-caused warming, raising pressure on coastal and marine ecosystems. Plastics policy: European recyclers are urging “Made in Europe” rules in the EU’s packaging law implementation to protect domestic plants and ensure recycled-content targets actually drive investment. Industry & innovation: Germany’s chemical sector says R&D is increasingly moving abroad as domestic conditions weaken, even as firms try to innovate their way out. Energy & materials: A UK geothermal project claims a European first by producing technical-grade lithium carbonate from deep brine, aiming to cut reliance on further refining. Adaptation funding push: Spain calls for an EU climate adaptation fund with binding targets after record heat and wildfire losses. Transport & cities: London’s Oxford Street is set to become vehicle-free in a permanent pilot, starting with a 1km stretch, as cities rethink pollution and space.