Politicians Can’t Escape the Floodwaters
As recent extreme weather in the UK and Spain has shown, leaders can’t hide from global warming — and there are potential repercussions for those who try to.
This picture, taken Nov. 1, 2024, shows the effects of flooding on a cemetery in the town of Alfafar, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain.
Photographer: Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images
As certain groups of politicians opt to deprioritize climate mitigation — or even outright deny the existence of a crisis — one must wonder whether they’re living in a bubble. Because as recent extreme weather events in the UK and Spain have demonstrated, leaders can’t hide from global warming — and there are potential political repercussions for those who try to.
Storm Bert swept through the UK over the weekend, causing widespread flooding and disruption. At least five deaths have been reported in England and Wales since the storm hit. In Spain, heavy rainfall at the end of October led to devastating flash floods that killed more than 220 people. In all three places, the electorate is angry and politicians are playing blame games.