Europe confirmed as fastest-warming continent globally

Europe has been confirmed as the fastest-warming continent globally, heating up at a rate more than double the global average, according to a report released by the Copernicus Climate Change Service funded by the European Union.

Compared with pre-industrial levels, temperatures across Europe have already risen by approximately 2.5 degrees Celsius.

This trend further underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resilience, said the report.

Most parts of Europe have experienced persistently above-average temperatures in recent years. Consequently, the risks of climate-related disasters such as extreme heatwaves, floods and wildfires are on the rise, posing grave challenges to energy security and economic stability, according to the report.

China's traditional dragon boats are driving the economic growth of Jiujiang Town of Foshan City in the southern province of Guangdong.

Known as "the town of dragon boats" and "the place with the fastest dragon boat rowing," Jiujiang is attracting a growing number of clients and tourists with its exquisite craftsmanship of boat making and thrilling racing events.

In many dragon boat factories in the town, workers are racing against time to keep up with the rising orders from home and abroad ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival which falls on June 19 this year.

"Our annual production capacity now is up to 1,000 dragon boats. Right now, we are working overtime every day to make the boats. We have orders not only from neighboring cities but also from Southeast Asia and Europe. At the same time, we have another 500 or 600 carbon fiber paddles to deliver simultaneously. Our races and training services have been scheduled into July," said Wu Pengjian, president of a local sports equipment company.

The boats manufactured in Wu's company are specifically designed for professional 22-person races, measuring 18.4 meters long and weighing 280 kilograms.

Beyond boat making, the company also provides one-stop services ranging from equipment rentals to event operations for dragon boat races.

Wu said the dragon boat events arranged throughout the year have already boosted the local culture-tourism industry.

The massive influx of visitors brought by dragon boat races has significantly promoted local catering and accommodation businesses.

"Whenever there's a dragon boat race, many people would come to have coffee and enjoy the scenic views. Then our coffee sales will easily double those in normal times," said Lai Zicong, a local cafe owner.

Nestled next to an ecological reserve home to egrets in Jiujiang, Wu Kaining runs a distinctive homestay. She said whenever a dragon boat race is held, she will receive a flood of booking calls two weeks in advance.

"Our rooms are very popular among tourists from Hong Kong and Macao. Plus I myself am a returnee to start business in Jiujiang from Macao, I know quite well that such unique waterside environment and ecological vitality here are exactly what they prefer. Many clients have already reached out to us in advance to book rooms for the Dragon Boat Festival and the summer vacation," Wu said.