Axios

President Trump is outpacing former President Biden — and even his own first-term clip — in getting his ambassadors confirmed by the Senate.

Why it matters: Trump wants to go even faster.

The power of the world's forests to check the growth of planet-warming emissions has weakened in recent years, new data and analysis find.

Why it matters: In typical years, forests and other vegetation suck up roughly 30% of emissions from burning fossil fuels.

Deadly wildfires engulfing parts of Turkey and Greece have forced thousands to evacuate, as much of the Mediterranean and Europe face what meteorologists are describing as an "exceptional," enduring heat wave.

The big picture: Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and Spain have also seen fires driven by extremely dry conditions and powerful winds. Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal are among the countries impacted by the extreme heat, and a record high temperature of 50.5°C (122.9°F) was recorded in the southeastern Turkish city of Silopi on Friday.

The new trade deal that President Trump unveiled with the European Union includes a European pledge to buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy.

Why it matters: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it will help the bloc further wean itself off Russian gas.