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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Ignace Chosen as Site for Canada's Underground Nuclear Waste Repository


A region in northern Ontario has been selected as the site for Canada's underground nuclear waste repository. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announced that the Township of Ignace and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation have agreed to host the $26-billion project.

The decision comes after a 14-year site selection process that began in 2010 with 22 potential locations. The site selection was narrowed down to two finalists in Ontario: Ignace and South Bruce. The NWMO ultimately chose Ignace after both the municipality and the nearby First Nation expressed their willingness to move forward.

The deep geological repository will be located about 650 to 800 meters underground, encased in solid rock with engineered barriers to ensure the safe storage of nuclear waste for thousands of years. The project is expected to take approximately 20 years to complete, including regulatory approvals and construction.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson expressed his gratitude to the communities involved in the selection process and emphasized the importance of the project for Canada's climate change goals.

The NWMO will now begin the regulatory approval process, which is estimated to take about 10 years, followed by another 10 years of construction. The used fuel is expected to be loaded into the repository over a period of 50 to 60 years.




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