Human-made climate change is making extreme weather and wildfires much more common. A recent study found that the hot, dry conditions fueling the wildfires in Spain and Portugal last month are now 40 times more likely due to climate change.
In August, both countries experienced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching over 40°C. This relentless heat set off wildfires across northern Portugal and western Spain, leading to the evacuation of thousands and tragic loss of life—four people in each country.
The statistics are startling. More than 380,000 hectares in Spain have burned this year—nearly five times the annual average—while Portugal lost about 280,000 hectares, almost three times its usual yearly amount. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, these numbers showcase a worrying trend.
Research from World Weather Attribution highlights the severity of the situation. Without human-induced climate change, such extreme fire conditions would happen less than once every 500 years, but now they’re expected roughly every 15 years. Theo Keeping from Imperial College London explains this shift: “The combination of heat and dry conditions rapidly dries out vegetation, creating the perfect environment for intense fires.”
August saw Spain face its most intense heatwave ever recorded, with temperatures averaging 4.6°C above previous records. This heatwave led to over 1,100 heat-related deaths, according to estimates by the Carlos III Health Institute. Since 1975, Spain has recorded 77 heatwaves, with an alarming number occurring since 2019.
Experts also point to rural depopulation as a factor worsening the impact of climate change. Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre notes that less active farming and grazing have led to more flammable land. Areas that once had natural vegetation management are now hotspots for fires.
The real impacts of climate change are visible and urgent. If society doesn’t take significant action soon, we can expect more frequent, intense wildfires and heatwaves that threaten lives, health, and ecosystems.
For deeper insights, you can check the report from World Weather Attribution here.
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