Europe is warming at twice the global average rate, according to a joint report by Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In 2025, at least 95 percent of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures. The study highlights a record three-week heatwave in sub-Arctic peninsulas, with temperatures exceeding 30°C near and within the Arctic Circle. Europe also recorded its highest-ever annual sea surface temperature, with 86 percent of the region facing severe marine heatwaves. Furthermore, wildfires consumed a record-breaking one million hectares, and river flows remained below average for 11 months across the continent.
Lebanon Faces Worsening Hunger Crisis
Global food security experts warn that one in four people in Lebanon are at risk of acute hunger amidst ongoing clashes between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces in the south. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-partner platform, indicates a sharply deteriorating situation for all population groups in Lebanon due to renewed hostilities and widespread displacement since early March. Approximately 1.2 million people may face high levels of acute food insecurity between now and August, a significant increase from the 874,000 people affected between late 2025 and March. The report details that 725,000 Lebanese residents are in a “crisis” situation, experiencing high acute malnutrition or forced asset sales for food. Additionally, over 460,000 Syrian and Palestinian refugees, along with 50,000 individuals arriving from Syria since December 2024, are also in crisis.
UN Peacekeepers Deployed in DR Congo Amid Escalating Violence
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, UN peacekeepers have been rapidly deployed to Djugu, Ituri province, following an attack by armed rebels on Congolese forces and civilians. The ‘blue helmets’ serving with MONUSCO, in coordination with the Congolese armed forces, rescued 191 civilians, including 59 women and 126 children, relocating them to a displaced persons site. Since February, MONUSCO has been working with Congolese forces to deter armed groups in North Kivu as part of Operation Nyundo II.
The humanitarian situation in Masisi Territory, North Kivu province, continues to worsen due to renewed clashes between armed groups. Intensified violence since early February has led to large-scale displacement, with many residents forced to flee multiple times. As of mid-April, over 170,000 people in the Masisi Health Zone have been displaced, and several villages have been evacuated. Conditions in host areas remain precarious, straining essential services. Civilians are in urgent need of food, shelter, water, sanitation, and healthcare.
