Europe Battles Record Wildfires Amid Heatwave

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Above: Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire near the city of Patras, Greece on Aug. 13, 2025. Image copyright: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

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The Spin

Climate activist narrative

These devastating wildfires represent the new normal as climate change accelerates across Europe. Scientists have clearly linked the increasing frequency and intensity of these blazes to human-caused global warming, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average. The burning of fossil fuels continues to release heat-trapping gases that create the climatic conditions fueling these vast fires.

Guardian

Climate-concerned narrative

While climate factors play a role, many of these fires stem from preventable human actions and inadequate preparation. Spanish authorities arrested a firefighter who confessed to starting a fire for potential income from extinguishing it. Poor forest management, improperly maintained power cables, and insufficient emergency resources have worsened the crisis.

Reuters European State Forest Association

Climate-skeptic narrative

The visceral nature of the images coming out of places like Europe has seen many jump to blaming climate change, which the data just does not support. Fewer people than ever are dying from climatic disasters, going in the face of activist narratives, and less of the world is burning in wildfires than ever before. Climate alarmism is a real threat that clouds our perception of the world and the issues at hand.

Fraser Institute European Conservative