European Union official Teresa Ribera said politicians who deny climate science are lying while wildfires burn across the continent [1].
The comments highlight the growing friction between EU climate policy and political rhetoric as extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity.
Speaking in an interview with Euronews on July 30, 2026 [1], Ribera targeted those in government who continue to cast doubt on established climate science. She said these politicians are "dangerous and stupid" [1].
Ribera said the denial of science is not merely a difference of opinion but a deliberate act of deception. "They are lying," she said [1].
The official's remarks come as Europe faces a series of raging wildfires. While the specific regions affected were not detailed in the interview, the timing of the statement coincides with active fire emergencies across the region [1].
Ribera's criticism focuses on the link between political rhetoric and the ability of the European Union to implement effective environmental protections. She said that the persistence of climate denial in political circles hinders the urgent response required to manage the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
Ribera, who is often identified as Spain's climate minister, continues to advocate for a science-led approach to European governance [1].
“"They are lying"”
This confrontation signals an intensifying divide within European governance over the urgency of the climate crisis. By labeling climate denial as a dangerous falsehood rather than a political viewpoint, Ribera is framing the debate as a matter of public safety and factual integrity, reflecting a broader trend of EU officials linking extreme weather events directly to political inaction.
