This summer, Spain has once again suffered the devastation of wildfires. More than 400,000 hectares burned so far this year represent an ecological and social tragedy that strikes rural areas. Adding to this drama is another problem: disinformation. On social media, myths are circulating that link wildfires to the installation of wind farms. It is false that fires can “open the door” to new renewable projects.
Wind farms are allies in forest management and in the fight against fire. Their access roads act as firebreaks and allow brigades and fire engines to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Maintenance staff and monitoring systems serve as an early warning network, quickly detecting and reporting fire outbreaks. Moreover, the economic contributions made to municipalities and regional governments offer an opportunity to invest in forest cleaning, public training and the protection of rural communities.
The real threat to our forests is the climate crisis, which intensifies drought and multiplies wildfires. In the face of this, we need more renewables. Wind energy is one of the main tools to curb climate change and move towards a sustainable and secure energy model.
Falsehoods that attempt to link fires with the installation of wind farms continue to circulate. This is an erroneous and unfounded relationship that the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) seeks to debunk with the following document.
