Local sources from Greece: toManifesto.gr, Skai.gr.
UK coverage: BBC.
In a significant response to the escalating temperatures across Greece, the Acropolis, one of the most iconic historical landmarks globally, was temporarily closed. This decision, taken for safety reasons, underscores the tangible impacts of the extreme weather conditions gripping not only Greece but also various parts of southern Europe. Reports from both toManifesto.gr and Skai.gr confirmed that the Athens Antiquities Authority announced the closure of the Acropolis Archaeological Site from 13:00 to 17:00 on Tuesday, citing the well-being of workers and visitors amidst the unbearable heatwave. This measure coincides with a broader pattern of heat-induced caution, including a mandatory work stoppage for outdoor workers during peak heat hours, as enforced by the country’s labour ministry. With temperatures soaring to 41C and a category five wildfire warning in place for several regions, Greece is facing a severe test of its emergency response capabilities. The heatwave has already contributed to 41 wildfires nationwide, emphasizing the urgent threat posed by such extreme weather events. This situation is mirrored in neighboring countries, with Spain and France battling significant wildfires leading to evacuations and extensive emergency measures. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has attributed this early summer heatwave, alongside similar events, to human-caused climate change, highlighting an increasing trend of extreme weather phenomena. The temporary closure of the Acropolis, therefore, not only represents a precautionary step in the face of immediate health risks but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader, ongoing challenges posed by climate change to heritage sites, ecosystems, and communities across the globe.
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