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Europe's Transport Systems Struggle with Rising Heat

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Europe's railways and roads are struggling to cope with increasingly severe heatwaves, as infrastructure was built for a climate that no longer exists. Experts warn that aging systems, designed for cooler conditions, face unprecedented stress from record-breaking temperatures. Heat causes rails to warp, roads to buckle, and delays across Europe's transport networks.

For instance, France's TGV high-speed trains have faced repeated disruptions during summer heat. Cities like Paris and Berlin report infrastructure failures linked to rising temperatures. One expert noted that current systems lack resilience against climate extremes, urging urgent upgrades.

Mitigation strategies include heat-resistant materials and adaptive scheduling, but costs and logistics remain challenges. Climate change is accelerating infrastructure vulnerabilities, demanding policy and investment shifts to ensure safety and reliability.