This summer was the hottest on record globally and the fifth hottest in Europe. Forest fires in the EU have burned more than 468,000 hectares this year, many hitting tourist destinations in the south and impacting local economies. After long periods of intense heat and drought, entire communities and their livelihoods were severely affected within a few hours in Rhodes and Corfu. Nature has also been affected. More than 40 % of the area burned this year was in Natura 2000 areas, affecting habitats and species dependent on these ecosystems. The heat coincided with torrential rains and flash floods in Bulgaria, Greece, Slovenia and Turkey, resulting in loss of life and significant economic losses. Over the past 42 years, economic losses and damages caused by extreme weather and climate events have totaled at least €560 billion, with annual losses exceeding €50 billion in 2021 and 2022. We can expect similar estimates of losses in 2023 as well. Year after year, we are surprised by the increasing severity of these events and saddened by the scale of the losses they cause. However, these extreme weather events should no longer surprise us. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a climate scenario that scientists have been warning us about for decades. (Leena Ylä-Mononen)