Russia is continuing to face a devastating heat wave that has sparked over 800 forest fires and has blanketed Moscow with toxic smoke. The death rate in Moscow has doubled as scientists say the carbon monoxide and suspended particulate matter in the city’s air is at least twice as high as acceptable levels. During the heat wave, temperatures in Russia have reached up to 100 degrees, compared with a summer average of 75. Last week Russia banned all grain exports due to the region’s worst drought in more than a century. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says the drought and heat wave can be directly linked to global warming. He said, “What’s happening with the planet’s climate right now needs to be a wake-up call to all of us.”