Teresa Ribera, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for a clean, just and competitive transition, has sounded a stark warning against climate change denial as record temperatures sweep across Europe. Her words carry particular weight in Britain, where residents are increasingly affected by extreme weather events linked to global warming.
Speaking to The Guardian, Ms Ribera condemned what she called 'ideologically driven lies' spread by those with vested interests in the fossil fuel sector. These narratives, she argued, undermine essential climate action and distract from the urgent need for a low-carbon economy. She expressed frustration that despite scientists' long-standing warnings about the consequences of a changing climate system, there remains a 'fierce fight against facts, science, preparedness, and investment in clean energy'. This resistance, Ms Ribera stated, is 'failing people' and necessitates a rejection of what she termed 'bullshit based on lies, and against people’s interests'.
The current heatwave has seen unprecedented temperatures across the continent. Germany, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary have all recorded over 40C on Sunday as extreme weather conditions spread eastwards, with Italy and the Balkans also significantly affected. Ukraine's energy grid has struggled under temperatures exceeding 36C. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1,300 excess deaths have been attributed to the early summer heatwave, with the full toll expected to be higher. Schools and tourist attractions have closed, businesses have sent staff home, and some nuclear reactors have been taken offline due to the extreme conditions.
Ms Ribera reflected on her youth in Spain, where temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius were rare for more than a few days. Today, she noted, such temperatures persist for weeks – even in major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. She dismissed claims that climate policies, including the EU's 'Green Deal', are unpopular, arguing instead that people overwhelmingly prefer clean air, fresh water, and healthy ecosystems over pollution and unliveable cities.
Ms Ribera urged those in positions of authority to seize the opportunity presented by the heatwave to remind the public that they cannot be 'bullied and stay silent' by the fossil fuel industry and its proponents. She highlighted Spain's success in achieving some of the cheapest electricity in the EU through extensive investment in solar and wind power, a transformation anchored in opportunities for people beginning with phasing out coal.
The European Commission's Executive Vice-President stressed that Europe's economic future lies in renewable energy, where it is crucial for the continent to succeed. This success would not only mitigate climate change but also provide jobs, stimulate growth, and enhance Europe's global competitiveness.