Big Oil must foot the bill for urgent heat protection as Europe swelters

As deadly heat covers Europe, governments must act quickly to protect lives and force fossil fuel companies to foot the bill. That’s the view of campaign group 350.org.

There were more than 10,000 excess deaths across Europe during record-breaking heatwaves in June. Deadly wildfires are still raging in France and Spain. And even in the normally less extreme UK, the death toll has topped 2,700 and multiple fires have taken hold.

Climate campaigners urge European governments to take urgent measures to protect the public, especially vulnerable populations, from heat impacts. This includes measures such as upgrading hospitals, care facilities, schools and universities and providing emergency support for farmers.

France’s High Council on Climate has warned that the country’s infrastructure, cities and public services were built for “a climate that no longer exists”. It says that current adaptation policy is insufficient to protect people.

In response, 350.org campaigners called on European governments to invest massively in heat adaptation, while accelerating the shift to affordable renewable energy to reduce emissions and lower bills. 350.org analysis shows that the heatwaves drive up households’ energy spending.

Adaptation measures, however, must be borne by fossil fuel companies through stronger and permanent taxes on oil and gas profits, says 350.org. It shouldn’t be down to people already burdened with high energy bills and other extreme heat impacts.

Fanny Petitbon, 350.org France country manager, said:

This heatwave isn’t just about lack of preparedness, it’s gross negligence. Scientists have sounded the alarm long ago, but governments chose to keep burning fossil fuels.

We’ve been saying for decades that climate inaction is deadly. And now it has a body count of more than 10,000 in Europe in June alone. It’s never too late to protect people. Investing in adaptation now can save thousands more from harm in the months and years to come.

We don’t need endless debates in parliament nor austerity measures that slash the funds meant for climate action, we need decision-makers to wake up and act now. The scale of action needed and who must foot the bill is clear.

Europe’s heatwaves are sponsored by fossil fuel companies. The industry must pay both for the destruction and urgent measures like better thermal insulation of social housing, schools and hospitals, greening of public spaces, and heat warning systems for outdoor workers.

Featured image via the Canary