Wildfires on the Iberian Peninsula: A Growing Crisis
In Spain and Portugal, wildfires have wreaked havoc this summer, fueled by extremely hot and dry conditions. A recent study has revealed that these intense weather patterns are 40 times more likely to occur due to climate change.
During July and August, hundreds of wildfires erupted across the region, driven by temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and powerful winds. These fires have led to the death of eight people, forced over 35,000 evacuations, and burned an astounding 640,000 hectares (1.58 million acres).
Most of the flames have been brought under control as temperatures have finally eased. However, experts warn that the future looks grim. “Hotter, drier, and more flammable conditions are becoming commonplace,” said Clair Barnes from Imperial College in London.
Research from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service shows Europe warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s. In fact, the recent extreme heat spell in August, the hottest on record for Spain, would have been nearly impossible without climate change. Events like this were once expected every 500 years but are now on the rise.
Valérie Masson-Delmotte, a climate scientist, pointed out that this finding adds to the growing evidence of how human activities amplify the severity of extreme weather, including wildfires. The fires we see today are not just a natural occurrence; they are intensified by human-caused climate changes.
The fires highlight a more profound issue: the neglect of rural areas in Spain and Portugal. Over the past few decades, many people have moved from the countryside to cities. As a result, farmlands and forests have been left unattended, allowing dry vegetation to accumulate, which fuels the fires.
Experts suggest that controlling such wildfires may require proactive measures. Methods like clearing excess vegetation, promoting grazing by animals, and implementing controlled burns can help mitigate fire risks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed a 10-point plan to better prepare for natural disasters intensified by climate change, emphasizing collaboration with Portugal and France.
This ongoing crisis poses questions about our approach to rural management and climate resilience. Addressing these wildfires will require not only immediate action but also long-term strategies to adapt to our changing environment.
For more information on climate and environmental changes, you can refer to studies by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Source link
World news,Valérie Masson-Delmotte,Climate,environment,Pedro Sanchez,Ricardo Trigo
