5 d. ago ‘A perfect symbiosis’: planting vines and other ways hot cities are creating cool spaces

Living – or crocheted – canopies and a 3,000-year-old Persian technique are among methods being used to cope as temperatures soarAs Spain takes a breath after yet another brutal summer heatwave, with temperatures above 40C in many parts of the country, the residents of the sherry-making town of Jerez de la Frontera have come up with a novel way to keep the streets cool.Green canopies of grapevines festoon the town, reducing street-level temperatures by as much as 8C. “We’re planting vines in the old city because we hope that in two or three years we’ll be able to brag that this has put an end to stifling temperatures,” said Jesús Rodríguez, president of Los Emparrados, a group of residents who aim to beautify and green the city’s streets. Continue reading...

Technology

6 d. ago After a summer of submission to Trump, Europe knows it must defend Ukraine – and itself – alone | Paul Taylor

Can a European-led coalition really provide credible security guarantees? Past examples are not encouragingAfter an unusual August of geopolitical summitry, the reality is sinking in that Europe is on its own in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and hence its own security against Russian aggression and cannot count on much support from the United States.The sense of strategic loneliness in an increasingly brutal global power contest follows a summer of submission in which the EU accepted a manifestly unbalanced trade deal imposed by Donald Trump and pledged improbably large investments in the US while European Nato members promised to boost their defence spending to an aspirational 5% of gross domestic product – all to appease Trump in hopes of keeping the US engaged in European security.Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Ten urgent steps to save your lawn this autumn after the UK’s brutal summer

This summer has left UK lawns scorched and stressed – but with early leaf fall and cold nights approaching, there’s still time to act. Follow this 10-step rescue plan now and save your lawn before it’s too late.

Politics

2 w. ago Marcus Rashford sent Barcelona warning by Liverpool icon: 'He's got an amazing agent'

Marcus Rashford ended his Manchester City nightmare by sealing a sensational loan move to Barcelona earlier this summer and has been sent a brutal message ahead of his debut

Events

2 w. ago Brutal end to UK heatwave as Met Office warns of savage summer storms

The Met Office has warned that thunderstorms and rain are likely in the UK later today, bringing a brutal end to the scorching heatwave across the country

Events

4 w. ago UK weather maps forecast when 30C heat will return as RED spreads across England

After a week of rainy weather and a brutal storm, Britain is bracing itself for another heatwave this summer - with temperatures expected to reach almost 40C in some places

Society