"Lack of political courage stalling Europe’s climate action, warns EU green leader"

Political Hesitation Slows Europe’s Response to Climate Crisis Amid Record Heat

European efforts to confront the consequences of the climate crisis are being delayed by a lack of political will, even as the continent endures a historic heatwave, warned the EU’s official overseeing environmental transition.

In an interview with CuriosityNews, Teresa Ribera noted that while the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, they have yet to spur sufficient action.

"Looking at Europe right now is alarming,” said Ribera, as temperatures reached unprecedented June highs from Spain and Portugal to the UK.

“In Huelva [southern Spain], it was 46C on Saturday. Brussels saw 36C, and eastern regions hit 38C. These extreme temperatures have severe consequences for ecosystems, the economy, and public health. Yet, there hasn’t been a true shift from discussing extreme weather to preparing people and addressing what must be done when such events occur.”

Speaking alongside Jessika Roswall, the EU commissioner for environment and sustainable systems, Ribera stressed that much work remains to adapt infrastructure and cities to the realities of the crisis.

She pointed out that some political groups still strongly deny climate change exists, or argue that adjusting policies is too costly.

“The reality is, inaction will cost far more,” said Ribera, who serves as the European Commission’s vice-president for environmental policy and previously led Spain’s environment ministry. “We can’t acknowledge climate change as this generation’s defining challenge, then refuse to act. People see through that—especially when Huelva hits 46C in June. That isn’t normal.”

She also highlighted the deadly floods in Valencia last October, which claimed 229 lives after relentless rains.

“These aren’t isolated incidents,” she said. “Yet we’re still treating them as occasional disasters rather than urgent crises. A coordinated response is desperately needed.”

According to Ribera, many leaders avoid taking bold stances to avoid losing voters—an approach that undermines democracy.

“Pretending challenges don’t exist or expecting the market to fix them is a mistake,” she said. “We must confront difficulties openly, work together on solutions, and show the political courage to act.”