Beyond the Flames and the Heatwaves: Robin Degron on Europe and the Mediterranean Basin’s Climate Crisis

DevelopmentAid Dialogues

Devastating wildfires and intense heatwaves are sweeping across continents—from Indonesia’s burning rainforests and Canada’s parched woodlands to Latin America and, of course, Europe’s Mediterranean coasts. The scale and frequency of these disasters are reminders that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a global emergency demanding action at every level.

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Robin Degron, Director of Plan Bleu (UN Environment), about the changing climate landscape in the Mediterranean—and what its communities, economies, and ecology can teach the world about adaptation and resilience.

Drawing on over thirty years of experience in environmental governance and sustainable development, Degron describes a “multi-seasonal climate crisis.” “Every spring and summer now bring higher risks of drought and wildfire,” he explains, “while autumn and winter see increasingly fierce floods and storms.” It’s a year-round test for governments and people—and the stakes are growing.

Tourism, a pillar of many Mediterranean economies, faces new vulnerabilities. “The classic summer beach experience is shifting,” Degron notes. As extreme heat and fire risks grow, countries must extend tourist seasons, move activities inland, and highlight local heritage to buffer economic shocks and preserve jobs.

But it is not just business at risk. Health systems are under pressure from rising heat-related illness, and communities are coping with evacuations, trauma, and altered daily life. Nature is also showing strain: Mediterranean forests face declining iconic tree species, and vital marine plants suffer in warming waters. Yet, with the right management—such as planting hardier trees and reimagining urban green spaces—there are signs of adaptation.

Plan Bleu’s work goes further than research, focusing on building regional policy frameworks, piloting wildfire prevention barriers, and fostering cooperation across borders. According to Degron, local initiatives and innovative land management can lower risks, but only with more investment and shared commitment.

Voluntary firefighting teams, he emphasizes, are crucial on the front lines—but must be strengthened with professional training and resources to match the evolving threat.

As the episode closes, Degron offers a measured optimism: “Building climate resilience and transforming our relationship with the land is a century-long mission. But through smart policies, science, and collaboration, there’s hope for recovery and renewal.”

Listen to the full episode with Robin Degron on DevelopmentAid Dialogues.

Note: Episode 15 closes the second season of DevelopmentAid Dialogues – your gateway to insightful conversations on key humanitarian and aid topics with distinguished minds from around the world.

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