image

Sand banks and green algae are seen on the Loire river during the drought in Montlouis-sur-Loire, central France, on August 21, 2023. France has been stepping up hot weather protection measures this summer after 2022 brought intense heat and fierce wildfires, with four of mainland France and Corsica's 96 departments currently at elevated fire risk and drought affecting two-thirds of water tables. (Photo by GUILLAUME SOUVANT / AFP) (KEYSTONE/AFP/GUILLAUME SOUVANT)