Spanish PM Calls for National Climate Pact Amid Devastating Wildfires

Madrid — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged political parties, regional governments, and civil society to come together and forge a “national climate pact” as the country battles increasingly destructive wildfires.

Speaking during a visit to a wildfire-ravaged region on Sunday, Sánchez warned that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality, intensifying heatwaves, droughts, and fire risks across Spain.

“Spain is on the frontline of the climate emergency,” the Prime Minister said, stressing the need for a long-term national agreement that transcends political divisions and ensures resilience against extreme weather events.

Over the past week, several blazes have swept through parched landscapes in southern and central Spain, forcing hundreds to evacuate and scorching thousands of hectares of forest. Emergency crews, supported by aircraft, continue efforts to contain the flames amid soaring summer temperatures.

Sánchez’s climate pact proposal seeks to align national, regional, and local strategies with EU climate targets, focusing on renewable energy, water management, reforestation, and support for affected communities.

Environmental groups welcomed the call but urged the government to match words with concrete measures, including stricter land-use policies and expanded funding for firefighting and prevention.

Spain, one of Europe’s most climate-vulnerable countries, has already seen record-breaking wildfires in recent years, with scientists warning that without urgent action, such disasters will become more frequent and more severe.