Scientists have warned that the deadly wildfires that raged through Spain and Portugal this summer were made 40 times more likely by climate change. The research, published in a leading environmental journal, attributes the increased frequency and intensity of these fires to rising global temperatures caused by the continued burning of fossil fuels.
The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, analyzed historical climate data and found a direct correlation between the rise in global temperatures and the likelihood of such wildfires. According to the findings, the combination of higher temperatures, drier conditions, and prolonged heatwaves has created a perfect storm for devastating wildfires, which have now become more common in these regions.
Experts are calling for immediate and sustained global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the effects of climate change. The researchers stress that without significant policy changes and a shift towards renewable energy sources, the risk of such catastrophic wildfires will continue to rise, posing a serious threat to both human populations and natural ecosystems.