Wildfires and Extreme Heat

That the Parliament notes with concern the reports of widespread wildfires and extreme heatwaves affecting many parts of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy and other countries, which have led to evacuations, loss of life, environmental damage and significant pressure on public services; further notes recent reports of wildfire incidents in Scotland and across the UK, which, it believes, have demonstrated the direct threat to communities, landscapes and rural economies; recognises what it considers to be growing scientific evidence that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves, drought conditions and wildfire risk across Europe; acknowledges reports that Europe remains the fastest-warming continent and is experiencing increasingly severe climate-related impacts, including record heatwaves and extensive wildfire activity; expresses sympathy with all those communities affected by these events; believes that these developments serve as a warning of the escalating risks posed by climate change to Scotland; notes what it believes is the particular vulnerability of agricultural areas such as East Lothian, where prolonged periods of hot, dry weather could threaten crop yields, increase pressure on water resources, raise wildfire risk and impact rural livelihoods; acknowledges the dedication and professionalism of firefighters, land managers, farmers, emergency responders and community volunteers in responding to wildfire incidents, and highlights what it sees as the importance of continued climate adaptation, resilience planning and support as part of efforts to protect Scotland’s environment, food production and rural communities from the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change.