Europe is facing an unprecedented security challenge as climate change drives extreme heat, drought, and wildfires across the continent, posing risks that impact multiple countries and critical infrastructure simultaneously. This summer’s heatwave has been linked to an estimated 10,000 excess deaths in June and has severely damaged food production, with crop losses reaching about 9 million tonnes.
The drought and fires have destroyed over 600,000 hectares of forests and land so far this year, prompting large-scale evacuations and disrupting daily life. The crisis extends beyond immediate fire zones, affecting water and food security, transportation via rivers and rail, and placing significant strain on health and emergency services. Lower water levels in rivers have even compelled some nuclear reactors to shut down due to inadequate cooling water, threatening energy supply stability.
Officials have raised concerns that prolonged hot and dry conditions increase the threat of intentional wildfires as a form of terrorism or asymmetric warfare. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently described these conditions as creating a “tinderbox” situation, leading his government to issue a national emergency alert over wildfires. Authorities in France have arrested nearly 500 individuals suspected of starting fires this year, with about 70% accused of deliberate arson. In addition, military hostilities have exacerbated the problem, as Russian strikes set forests ablaze in Ukraine, including drone attacks that sparked fires within the Chernobyl exclusion zone and the Zhytomyr region in May 2026.
European militaries are increasingly called upon to respond to these climate-driven crises. Wildfires have forced the deployment of military personnel and equipment on numerous occasions; Spain recently mobilized more than 1,200 troops and 400 vehicles to combat a major blaze, while the UK deployed about 200 troops to fight fires in south Wales. Military operations are also hindered by damage to bases, airfields, and vital transport infrastructure caused by extreme weather. As a result, armed forces must balance traditional defense duties with an expanding role supporting firefighting, flood defense reinforcement, emergency evacuations, and infrastructure restoration.
Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive measures to address the growing security risks posed by climate change. The NATO Science and Technology Organization’s 2026 climate security assessment characterizes climate change as a systemic issue affecting all other security threats and calls for an updated Climate Change and Security Action Plan. This plan would enhance cooperation among scientists, defense officials, and policymakers to translate climate data into actionable strategies.
A broader European security framework is recommended, with four primary objectives. First, improving wildfire preparedness through proactive landscape management, fire-safe building standards, early-warning systems, and sufficiently resourced emergency services. The military’s role should complement, not replace, civilian responders. Second, governments should recognize climate adaptation investments as integral to national security budgets. While NATO members have committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, including 1.5% on broader security-related areas, climate adaptation has yet to be explicitly included as eligible defense spending. Reframing climate resilience as a security priority could focus resources more effectively and support members in meeting spending targets.
As Europe confronts intensifying climate-related disasters, policymakers are urged to adopt integrated approaches that bolster resilience and safeguard both civilian populations and critical infrastructure against the multifaceted threats posed by climate change.