Summer of Heat, Fires and Storms Is a Reckoning for Europe on Climate

Human-caused global warming made the hot, dry and windy conditions that fuelled the fires at least twice as likely in south-western France and at least 20 times as likely in central Spain

As wildfires in Europe and North America grow more extreme, key worldwide burning statistics are at a record low largely because Africa and Asia are controlling fire more.

The heatwaves and dry weather in Europe have continued to result in wildfires. Some raged through the night in Spain, with ten areas now said to be of high concern.

Climate change has helped southern Europe's likelihood of wildfires double since 1981, say researchers.

Sparked by a historic and prolonged heatwave, these fires are not merely natural disasters; they are fierce signs of an accelerating climate breakdown.

The continent is experiencing some of its biggest fires and highest temperatures ever. Residents are fleeing, leaders are struggling to respond and “it will get worse,” one climate expert said.