Wildfire response must evolve with climate change - EU

The European Union's approach to wildfires must adapt more rapidly to the escalating threats posed by climate change, urged Hadja Lahbib, the EU's Crisis Management Commissioner. Speaking as France and Spain battle deadly blazes that have forced tens of thousands to evacuate, Lahbib stressed the need for increased funding, a stronger focus on forest management, and enhanced public education on fire risks. "Climate change is accelerating. So our response must evolve just as quickly," she stated, emphasizing a shift from reactive measures to proactive risk preparation. Lahbib argued that simply acquiring more firefighting equipment is insufficient. She advocated for greater investment in forest management practices that reduce wildfire susceptibility and for educating citizens on behaviors to avoid, given that human activities cause approximately 90% of wildfires. While the EU plays a coordinating role, deploying pooled resources and its own 'RescEU' reserve fleet of firefighting aircraft and helicopters, the primary responsibility for wildfire management rests with national governments. The EU has facilitated the deployment of aircraft and ground teams to France and Spain. The increasing demands on the system, with a record number of firefighters stationed across at-risk countries this summer, reflect the intensifying heat and drought fueled by human-caused climate change. Officials anticipate fires may continue burning into November. Lahbib highlighted the need to strengthen collective capacity, noting the Commission's proposal to more than double crisis-response funding to €10.7 billion in the next EU budget, though member states are currently negotiating a lower figure of €9.1 billion. The EU is also establishing its own permanent firefighting fleet, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2030.

“

Climate change is accelerating. So our response must evolve just as quickly.