As global heatwaves shatter historical records from North America to Asia and Europe, our planet’s vital lifelines—great rivers like the Rhône, Rhine, and Danube—are trickling down to historic lows. Beyond disrupting freight and power grids, this double blow of scorching air and parched soil is fracturing pollination systems, starving trees, and pushing pollinators to the brink. Here is a look at the cascading climate crisis—and the systemic solutions needed to adapt.
