Climate change made France, Spain wildfire conditions far more likely, scientists say
Summary
Scientists say human-caused climate change has made extreme wildfire conditions in southwestern France twice as likely and in central Spain 20 times more likely. Hotter, drier weather caused by climate change has increased wildfire risk, forcing many people to evacuate and burning large areas of land.Key Facts
- Climate change has warmed the planet by about 1.4°C since before the industrial era.
- In today's climate, severe wildfires happen about once every 20 years in southwestern France and once every six years in central Spain.
- Wet winters followed by dry springs and summers create more dry plants that catch fire easily.
- Spain experienced its wettest January in 25 years, then the hottest summer on record.
- France is facing its fourth heatwave in 2026 at the time of the wildfires.
- Scientists recommend clearing dry vegetation before fire season to reduce wildfire risks.
- Wildfires in France and Spain have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
- Extreme weather conditions make firefighting efforts more difficult once fires start.
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