Scottish wildfires must serve as alarm bell for climate disaster
Ongoing wildfires and warnings must serve as an alarm bell for Scotland’s climate, warns Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued several wildfire warnings across the Highlands, with further alerts being issued across the Lowlands as the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outdoors.
Ms Burgess, who is the party’s spokesperson for rural affairs, says our climate efforts must be ramped up if we are to reduce the risk of lasting damage through extreme weather events like wildfires.
Ms Burgess said:
“A lot of people are very worried about the threat of further wildfires, particularly in the Highlands.
“Scotland has some of Europe’s most iconic and renowned landscapes. But, with global temperatures rising, this natural beauty is under a very real and growing threat.
“Our environment and the safety of our communities hang in the balance. Wildfires can destroy habitats, and that has a knock-on effect for the rest of us. We cannot afford to let that happen.
“These warnings must be an alarm bell for our climate. We are on the frontline of the crisis. If we don’t pay attention and make conscious changes now there won’t be any nature or life left to enjoy.”
Ms Burgess added:
“Our fire-fighters are risking their lives to protect ours and to keep us safe.
“It is incumbent on the Scottish and UK Governments to ensure that all firefighters have the equipment and facilities required to keep as safe as possible, and to ensure we raise the awareness with the public about the increased risks and consequences of wildfires.”