Eurostar’s 55°C Train Capability Poses Climate Change Concerns
As extreme heat becomes a persistent challenge across Europe, Eurostar has updated its specifications for new trains to withstand temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius, a significant increase from the previous 45-degree limit. This adjustment, which primarily affects the air conditioning systems, is crucial as the trains are intended for service until the 2060s and are being ordered in anticipation of increasingly hotter summers. The company’s chief executive highlighted that recent heatwaves in Europe have intensified to levels comparable to those found in Saudi Arabia, necessitating a proactive approach to climate resilience in its fleet.
John Q. Hosedrinker