Wildfires: Greens/EFA call for urgent Heatwave Action Plan

As extreme heat and wildfires hit large parts of Europe, forcing evacuations and putting lives at risk, the Greens/EFA Group calls on the European Commission and Member States to urgently implement a European Heatwave Action Plan.

The Greens/EFA Group urges EU support for firefighters and to cool down homes, schools, hospitals, public transport and cities. The five biggest fossil fuel companies must contribute to the costs of adapting Europe to a climate crisis they helped create. 

                                                  The Greens/EFA Heatwave Action Plan

Greens/EFA Co-President Terry Reintke comments:

“Europe is burning, people are being forced from their homes and millions are living through unbearable heat. This is not normal summer weather, but the result of years of political inaction and weakened climate ambition. 

“Too many EU leaders still treat climate action as optional, while citizens, firefighters, farmers and taxpayers pay the price. Heatwaves and wildfires are a security risk, a public health crisis and a social crisis all at once.

“The Commission must act now to cool down our continent. We need more effective support for our firefighters. Cities must provide more shade, trees, water points and cooling zones and help vulnerable households to keep their homes cool without pushing up energy bills.

“Fossil fuel companies have profited for decades from the pollution that is overheating Europe. They should help foot the bill. If political leaders do not have the climate solutions people need, they should stop standing in the way of those who do.”