A British woman who moved from London to Spain has explained why she won't return to the UK, despite the danger from wildfires and extreme heat sweeping the country she has called home for three years.
Former accountant Barbara, 72, has lived in Granada since leaving London for warmer weather and more sunshine. However, she now regrets the move due to extreme temperatures that have left her stuck inside her rented property.
Considering a move to Portugal
The heat has become so acute that she is considering moving to Portugal instead to escape the blazing temperatures and risk of wildfires. This is instead of returning to the UK, which faces its own wildfire risk but not the same harsh conditions as Spain and France.
Explaining why she won't return to the UK, Barbara told the i newspaper: "Going back to the UK is not an option. I have no family. My husband died six years ago, as have most of my closest friends."
She added: "I have friends in Portugal, they say summers there are very pleasant and bearably hot, with a constant fresh sea breeze along the Atlantic coast. I am planning a trip to Lisbon in November to start looking for houses to rent."
'Biggest regret' of her life
Barbara described her move to Granada as the "biggest regret" of her life, expressing fear that her region would also be hit by devastating fires that have cost the European continent millions.
The ferocity of these wildfires has caused consternation as they have ripped through parts of Spain, France, and other European countries.
Climate change driving wildfires
It has been suggested that these wildfires have been driven in part by climate change, which has seen temperatures regularly soar into the high thirties and early forties, putting massive pressure on ecosystems and people.
Speaking to the Guardian, research associate at Imperial College London Dr Clair Barnes said climate change was driving the dangerous phenomenon. She told the publication: "We've seen repeatedly how climate change increases hot, dry, flammable conditions that are extremely conducive to wildfires."
She added: "It's still early in the season – and with another heatwave looming, these findings are extremely scary. What we're seeing is a clear sign of the escalating impacts of warming."
