Warnings issued about potential risks of being underprepared as Ribera advocates for territorial administration and forest fire policies
European Commission Vice-President Urges Action Against Forest Fires
Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Competition, has called for improved territorial management and forest policies as part of the EU’s strategy to address the increasing threat of forest fires in Europe.
Ribera's call for action comes in response to the wave of fires affecting the south of the continent, which has already claimed several lives and has seen the area affected this week reach 439,568 hectares - a significant increase compared to the average of 218,416 hectares recorded for this time of year since 2006.
In a bid to enhance resilience and reduce fire risk, Ribera has emphasized the need for better land and forest management. She has also advocated for strategic climate targets, such as a 90% emissions reduction by 2040, to support ecosystem preservation and sustainability measures that indirectly mitigate wildfire threats.
Ribera has also highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and resources for rapid wildfire response as a complement to preventive policies. This approach is evident in the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which Spain has requested a module with two large-capacity water-bombing aircraft from.
In addition to these measures, Ribera has called for the professionalization of firefighting brigades throughout the year, reinforcing prevention and reforestation measures, taking more coordination measures, and adopting climate emergency responses "without delay".
Ribera described the wave of fires affecting the south of the continent as a "regional tragedy" and a "warning to all of Europe". While her specific detailed measures proposed are not yet explicitly listed, her general stance includes pushing for pragmatic climate targets and comprehensive actions to reduce emissions and environmental degradation that contribute to forest fire risks.
The European Commission has activated multiple resources such as rescEU planes and helicopters across countries hit by wildfires, highlighting the transnational mobilization aimed at rapid firefighting responses. This shows a parallel approach combining immediate firefighting readiness with longer-term territorial and forest management policies discussed by Ribera.
Ribera's call for action does not appear to be related to the resumption of high-speed service to Galicia, as mentioned in a related article. The President of the Canary Islands has predicted he will meet with Pedro Sánchez before the end of August, but this does not seem to be directly related to Ribera’s call for action on forest fires.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/civilprotection/ [2] European Commission. (2021). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal_en [3] European Commission. (2021). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/what/forest_en [4] European Commission. (2021). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12533-Forest-management-and-forest-based-sector-planning_en [5] European Commission. (2021). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/green-deal/what-green-deal_en
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