Flames near Madrid as wildfires burn across Spain and Portugal

Emergency crews battle wildfires across Spain and Portugal

As a record-breaking European heatwave continues, firefighters worked all night on Monday to contain a blaze burning in the municipality of Tres Cantos, located 23km north of Madrid. Extreme temperatures are expected to persist in Spain and Portugal until at least Wednesday, with forecasts reaching up to 44°C.

Threats to Lives and Livelihoods

The wildfires are a threat to both human lives and the environment. Extreme weather and wildfires are increasingly influencing climate change analytics, and experts warn that these events will likely increase in frequency and intensity in the future. These wildfires are just two of many that have erupted across the continent, causing locals to evacuate their homes.

Government Reactions

As a result of this trend, governments are being urged to develop more extreme or creative ways to communicate the dangers of climate change to the public. These communication efforts are especially important as climate change impacts are becoming more visible and severe across the globe.