I've seen how deadly floods are devastating Europe - we are not prepared for what's next

In this week's Down to Earth newsletter: what the Guardian's Sirin Kale saw when reporting on environmental disasters in Germany, Belgium and the UK? Don't get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up here to get the newsletter in fullThis is an extract of this week's Down to Earth newsletter, to get more exclusive environmental journalism in your inbox every Thursday sign up hereIt's common to think about the climate crisis as something that will happen in the future, in the global south.Brutal heatwaves and submerged cities: what a 3C world would look likeI understand climate scientists' despair - but stubborn optimism may be our only hope | Christiana FigueresWhat are the most powerful climate actions you can take? The expert viewFast fashion is wasteful, and thrifting is flawed. The solution: swap!Herd of 170 bison could help store CO2 equivalent of almost 2m cars, researchers say'It's unbelievable the difference a path has made': how volunteers are building a cycle network a yard at a time'The stakes could not be higher': world is on edge of climate abyss, UN warnsFour kids left: The Thai school swallowed by the sea'It just didn't work': how businesses are struggling with reuseable packaging Continue reading...