Statement on the devastating wildfires and the absurdity of climate denialism

During July 2026, the wildfires in Spain, France and Portugal reminded us once more of the urgency of addressing climate change. They were among the largest recorded in these countries in recent memory. More than 300,000 people were evacuated, large cities and sensitive military and industrial sites were threatened, homes and forests were destroyed, and the images of the catastrophe were heartbreaking.

Last year we also saw more than 2.5 million acres burned across Europe.

Although many fires are caused by human activity, climate conditions, including increasing heatwaves, create the perfect environment for wildfires that are very difficult to contain.

The Socialist International has for many years been at the forefront of the fight against climate change, highlighting the consequences of dangerous inaction in the face of this existential threat to our planet. As stated by the SI President and Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, climate denialism is the worst possible fuel for handling the climate crisis.

In the face of such a risk, micro politics and partisan strategies are entirely irrelevant.

In this spirit, we call on all leaders of our member parties to raise their voice and move to action.