European countries turn to surprisingly simple solutions to deal with record heat

European countries turn to surprisingly simple solutions to deal with record heat Northern European countries, such as Britain, face particular challenges as much of their rail infrastructure was designed for a narrower temperature range than networks in southern Europe - Bookmark Europe's vital infrastructure is buckling under the strain of record-breaking heat, with roads melting, power grids struggling, and railways facing unprecedented challenges. Countries across the continent are now scrambling to implement a diverse array of fixes, from advanced drone inspections and AI-powered sensors to the surprisingly simple application of white paint. The immediate impact is stark. At Oslo airport in Norway, where temperatures were forecast to hit 30 degrees Celsius – a full 10C above the seasonal average – workers were seen dousing the tarmac with thousands of litres of water. This marked shift in a nation more accustomed to battling extreme cold highlights the urgent need for Europe to adapt to rising temperatures, which are fuelling wildfires, causing thousands of excess deaths, and placing immense pressure on critical infrastructure. Jørn Arvid Remark, an operating engineer at Norwegian state-owned airport operator Avinor, noted: "In Norway, the asphalt must withstand both extreme cold and fairly warm temperatures." The airport is now trialling a new heat-resistant asphalt, while fire brigades spray approximately 9,000 litres of water on key runway sections to prevent softening under the weight of aircraft. HIGHER TEMPERATURES MEAN MORE STORMS AND FLOODS Many of Europe's roads and railways, constructed decades ago, are increasingly ill-equipped to cope. Temperatures across Western Europe on Wednesday were 5.5C above the average for July 15, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor. Chris Dodwell, co-head of sustainability centre at Impax Asset Management, warned: "Our infrastructure is in no way prepared for the extreme weather events that we're going to see," adding that once-rare heatwaves are now becoming regular occurrences. A 2025 report by leading central banks estimated that severe weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, could slash euro zone GDP by as much as 4.7 per cent by 2030. The railway networks have felt the impact acutely. An EU report in April revealed that over 70 per cent of rail managers are experiencing growing disruption from extreme weather. Between 2015 and 2024, weather-related interruptions amounted to the equivalent of one to three years of railway service across the region. While heat can cause tracks to expand and lead to failures in points, signals, and power, the subsequent extreme weather events are often more damaging. "The most critical issue for rail networks is not the heat itself, but the thunderstorms, strong winds and landslides that often follow heatwaves," said Oliviero Baccelli, a professor at Milan's Bocconi University. "Italy has already experienced significant disruptions to its railway network, particularly on Alpine routes, as a result of climate-related events." Northern European countries, such as Britain, face particular challenges as much of their rail infrastructure was designed for a narrower temperature range than networks in southern Europe. HEATWAVES 'MORE INTENSE, MORE FREQUENT AND LONGER-LASTING' John Lawrence, chair of the IET Railway Technical Network, observed that many rail components and systems were "in essence frozen in time." He acknowledged the immense cost of heat-proofing entire networks but highlighted that operators are exploring more stable sleeper designs and technologies like AI and drones to "speed up the amount of track that can be inspected and monitored." Britain's Network Rail has pledged to invest £2.6 billion between 2024 and 2029 to bolster its network against increasingly extreme weather. However, not all solutions demand vast expenditure. Some operators are reverting to traditional methods to reflect heat. Stockholm's transport authority, for instance, spent around 100,000 Swedish crowns ($10,300) painting sections of metro track white in May and June to mitigate the risk of track buckling. Martin Wilson, engineering director at French rail equipment manufacturer Alstom, suggested Europe could learn from transport systems like the Riyadh Metro and Dubai tram, which are engineered to operate in temperatures exceeding 50C (122F). "Today's heatwaves are often more intense, more frequent and longer-lasting," he stated. "Rising temperatures are increasingly challenging rail systems across Europe." Roads face similar pressures. Engineers note that northern European highways were primarily built to withstand damage from freeze-thaw cycles, whereas southern countries like Spain utilise asphalt blends better suited to prolonged summer heat. Finding the right balance is becoming increasingly difficult as countries contend with both colder winters and hotter summers. José Pablo Sáez Villar of the Spanish Civil Engineers Association commented that planners and road builders in northern Europe "may have to adjust their approach." In response, Paris transport operator RATP has established a heatwave contingency unit and is developing a comprehensive climate adaptation plan due by the end of the year. In Norway, officials confirm that warmer, wetter weather is fundamentally altering how new infrastructure is designed. Grethe Vikane, head of social development and climate at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, affirmed: "Roads are going to be made more robust," adding, "So they can withstand both the challenges already being experienced and the consequences of expected climate change."