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Because the summer of 2026 offers no respite. And that's not an exaggeration: the data confirms it. Between June 1st and July 15th, the average temperature in Spain was 3.3 degrees Celsius above normal, making this the warmest start to the season since records began in 1961. And we're not talking about an isolated incident: in just six weeks, we've already experienced two official heat waves, with a third on the horizon.
In fact, as I write this, warnings are being issued that a new mass of extremely hot air from the Sahara threatens to raise temperatures to 45 degrees Celsius in central and southern Spain. Córdoba, Seville, Badajoz, and Toledo could experience several consecutive days above 43 degrees Celsius.
Heat waves or the new normal? Here's the uncomfortable question: does it make sense to keep talking about "heat waves" as if they were isolated exceptions, or should we accept that this is simply the new normal?
The data clearly points to the second option. Climate models confirm that the frequency of heat waves in Spain has increased by 300% since 1980. And if we look ahead, the outlook isn't improving: the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan predicts that, by 2040, heat waves will last 22 days longer than in 1990. And the same thing happens in Europe and elsewhere.
Scientists have been warning about this for decades. It's not a surprise; it's a predictable scenario. So, what now? And here comes the most frustrating part: we still aren't acting with the speed that the climate emergency demands. We pollute almost as if none of this directly affects us.
And no, those who deny the evidence of climate change—often close to far-right political positions—don't do so out of ignorance. Behind it all are very powerful economic interests that benefit from us continuing as we are. And, for the moment, it seems they are winning.
Faced with this situation, the response cannot be resignation. Each person, from their own sphere, can do their part: consume more consciously, support sustainable initiatives, and speak out in forums, on social media, or in family conversations.
Furthermore, those who are truly committed to sustainability are not only doing the right thing: they are positioning themselves for the future. China, for example, I think, understands this very well and is taking the lead in renewable energy and clean technology. The companies that get ahead will be the ones that benefit when the rest are forced to react.
Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat. It's happening this summer, it's going to happen next summer, and it will become increasingly intense if we don't change course. But the good news is that we can still change course. It depends, to a large extent, on all of us. So let's never, ever, ever give up.
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