Fires in France, Spain wear 'the fingerprints of climate crisis'
Climate scientist Stefan Rahmstorf highlights the link between extreme wildfires in Western Europe and the ongoing climate crisis. The report emphasizes that record-breaking heatwaves and fire seasons are becoming increasingly frequent, threatening the future of younger generations.
Why it matters
It underscores the tangible, real-world impacts of climate change on public safety and the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Link copied Share Share article Stefan Rahmstorf took this photo while on holidays amid the fire emergencies gripping south-west France. ( Stefan Rahmstorf ) " What climate will this boy grow up in? " It's the question on climate scientist Stefan Rahmstorf's mind as he takes this photo during his July holiday in southern France.
Flames have engulfed the region in what's described as the worst wildfires Europe has seen in modern history. But, as Professor Rahmstorf knows, this catastrophe did not come as a surprise.
As a wind change sent smoke over this beach at Lacanau, north-west of Bordeaux in France, Professor Rahmstorf decided it was time to leave.
As one of the world's leading climate scientists, the impact of climate change had been part of his research for decades. Now it had followed him into his summer holiday.
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