Extreme Temperatures
The summer of 2025 confirmed a clear trend: longer, more intense, and increasingly earlier heatwaves. Between mid- and late-June, two heatwaves hit much of Western Europe, with peak temperatures exceeding 40°C and highs of ~46°C in Spain and Portugal. At the same time, the western Mediterranean experienced a severe marine heatwave, with surface water temperature anomalies of up to ~5°C, amplifying the heat along the coasts.
The Record-Breaking Summer
Overall, June 2025 was the warmest on record for Western Europe, and July 2025 was the third warmest July globally. In Europe, the average July temperature was 1.30°C above the 1991-2020 reference. In Italy, July ended with a national average anomaly of approximately 0.83°C above the climate reference. (Copernicus Climate Change Service, isac.cnr.it)
Even in August, the heat continued to grip: in Italy, on the eve of Ferragosto (August holiday), up to 16 cities were placed on a red flag in the Ministry of Health’s bulletins (maximum health risk), with critical situations extending across the North and Center. (RaiNews)
Main consequences
Public health. A rapid estimate of 12 major European cities indicates approximately 2,300 deaths in 10 days between late June and early July; the authors attribute approximately 1,500 of these to increased heat due to climate change. (Reuters, Imperial College London)
Fires and ecosystem impacts. Heat waves and winds have fueled widespread fires in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, causing evacuations and damaging homes and industrial facilities. (Reuters)
“Tropical nights” and urban heat stress. The anomalous warming of the Mediterranean has reduced nighttime cooling, increasing humidity and the Thermal Stress Indices (UTCI), and the frequency of nights with lows above 20°C.
Air quality and drought. Persistent high pressure has favored tropospheric ozone accumulation and drought conditions in several European countries. (World Meteorological Organization)
Urgent measures to be adopted
Local heat plans and targeted alerts. Use and disseminate the Ministry of Health’s daily bulletins (27 cities), with clear communications to the public and workers (protections for the elderly, outdoor workers, and children). (Ministry of Health)
Passive urban cooling. Diffuse shading (trees, pergolas), green roofs, and cool roofs to lower temperatures in buildings and neighborhoods, also reducing air conditioning energy consumption. (climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)
Climate relief spaces. Public cool spots (climate shelters) and extended opening hours in libraries, civic centers, and museums during alerts. (Financial Times)
Occupational safety. Reschedule shifts and breaks for those working outdoors on red-flag days; provide hydration and shaded areas. (Ministry of Health)
Medium- and long-term measures
Electrify heating and cooling with heat pumps powered by renewables: this highly efficient technology has strong emissions reduction potential even before 2025, despite a market slowdown in 2024–2025 that requires stable policies. (IEA, refindustry.com)
Building efficiency (insulation, windows, solar shading) to reduce summer and winter energy needs. (European Environment Agency)
Nature-based urban cooling (trees, parks, ventilation corridors) and reflective materials: effective measures against urban heat islands. (climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu, US EPA)
Accelerating renewables and self-consumption (rooftop photovoltaics, energy communities) to decarbonize the growing electricity demand for cooling. (Copernicus Climate Change Service)
Soft mobility (bikes and e-bikes, micromobility) and public transport to reduce traffic, emissions, and anthropogenic heat in cities. (ScienceDirect)
How can GaraGeeks products contribute?
With its solar-powered e-bike charging stations (modular) for safe charging of electric bicycles in commercial establishments and public spaces, featuring telemetry and smart management, GaraGeeks aims to support soft mobility and reduce car use.
SHELTER – Photovoltaic e-bike shelter
SHELTER is a photovoltaic shelter that runs 100% on solar energy, capable of charging up to 100 electric vehicles per day (e-bikes, scooters, scooters for the elderly, wheelchairs).
It requires no excavation or connection to the electricity grid, ensuring quick and flexible installation in cities, on cycle paths, or remote areas.
Main features:
Bike rack with 4 hooks (up to 8 e-bikes).
Surveillance camera and shaded bench.
Smartphone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot with customizable landing page.
Large rear surface (5 m²) for sponsorships and communications.
Optional tools for bike maintenance.
Remote monitoring system with real-time usage data.
Free service delivery.
Added value: it’s not just a charging station, but a complete piece of street furniture that promotes sustainable mobility, cycle tourism, and Smart Cities, reducing low-battery anxiety and encouraging the daily use of light electric vehicles.
https://www.garageeks.com/en/shelter/
SOLAR 2.0 – Multifunctional solar charging station for Smart Cities
SOLAR 2.0 is a multifunctional charging station powered 100% by solar energy, requiring no connection to the mains. In addition to charging e-bikes, scooters, mobility scooters, and electric wheelchairs, it offers free:
Wi-Fi hotspot
Smartphone and tablet charging (including fast wireless charging: 30% in 10 minutes with USB Power Delivery and QC4.0+)
PTZ video surveillance
SOS button connected to the NUE 112 via VOIP
Air quality monitoring
3.2″ display with time, weather, and environmental information
Constructed from durable materials (stainless steel, birch wood, or Corian) and 100% Italian-made, it has already been installed in over 100 locations.
Key benefits:
No excavation costs or wiring to the electricity grid
A practical solution to encourage long, autonomous journeys
Smart and sustainable street furniture for cities, parks, and bike paths
Increased public safety in urban and suburban areas
Support for cycle tourism and light electric mobility
SOLAR 2.0 represents a real step towards the Smart City, offering digital and sustainable services to citizens and promoting greener mobility.
