EU official calls heatwave 'dramatic warning', slams climate skeptics
European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera said the current heatwave in Europe is a dramatic warning from nature and called for rejecting lies from climate skeptics and fossil fuel interests, while defending the EU's Green Deal.
As a heatwave sweeps across Europe, European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera told The Guardian that the extreme temperatures are a dramatic warning from nature. She criticized those who listen to the fossil fuel industry instead of scientists and concerned citizens.
Ribera stated that the current heat records were anticipated, but humanity failed to address the root causes. She lamented that there is still a fight against facts, science, and investments in clean energy, letting people down. "We need to throw away such nonsense based on lies and against people's interests," she added.
The official rejected claims that the EU's Green Deal has lost public support, arguing that people want clean water, clean air, and healthy ecosystems, not pollution and unlivable cities due to heat. She urged officials to use the heatwave to remind that they must not be intimidated by fossil fuel interests and their allies.
Ribera also attacked "stupid and ideologically motivated nonsense" spread by interest groups, saying climate policies are not unpopular. She warned against allowing manipulation that hides the short-term profits of a few at the expense of all humanity.
The heatwave has broken records in several countries. In Germany, temperatures reached new highs for three consecutive days, causing highway pavement to disintegrate and halting tram service in Leipzig. On Sunday, the Czech Republic recorded its second temperature record in two days at 41.1°C. Poland saw its highest ever temperature of 40.5°C in the west.
