It is deeply saddened that we are accompanied by congratulations from the last few days in Portugal. The images of destruction, death, damaged homes, damaged infrastructure and suffering families cannot be ignored. I would like to come and express my solidarity with all the people affected by this period of severe weather, which only varies by region of the country, especially the North, Central and our coast.
The occurrence of depressions that pass through the state include extremely strong winds, intense winds, abnormal marine disturbances, and episodes of snowfall in areas that are less common in this scenario. Short roads, disrupted services, thousands of homes were cut off without power and normal life in many communities was brought to a sudden halt. When nature takes this form, we perceive how vulnerable we are and how the state has a responsibility to be ready to protect and comfort us.
In addition to discussing weather reports or technical classifications, it is important to realize that extreme events are returning more often and with more intensity. Due to its geographical location and extensive coastline, Portugal is particularly exposed to adverse climatic phenomena. This requires planning, prevention and responsiveness. It requires investment in resilient infrastructure, modernization of electricity networks, protection of coastal areas and adequate management of flowers.
No exercise of these functions, as a representative, as Chair of the Committee on Energy, Environment and Water of the Parliamentary Assembly of the University for the Mediterranean I defend that climate action cannot be limited to slogans or to ideological disputes. Or what is causing human lives, critical infrastructure and the safety of our communities. The response to these phenomena must be practical, concrete and result-oriented.
It’s not just about international conferences or abstract meta. It deals with the real ability to prevent tragedies, strengthen warning systems, guarantee effective coordination between civil protection, security forces and protection. It is also about speed and efficiency, because the state then loses the good, habitação or meios of subsistence.
In this difficult moment, it is just a matter of realizing that the bombs, the civil protection teams, the security forces and all the technicians who face adverse conditions on the ground to protect lives and maintain essential services. I know that many times in the silence I am sure of the ground when everything seems to be shaking.
But solidarity cannot be just a word. The translation needs to be done quickly, efficiently and in the concrete presence of the exact condition. It is essential that the government provides quick mechanisms to help affected families and businesses that continue to be disrupted. We can’t afford to have the suffering of weather created later or bureaucratic abandonment along with it.
The content of these days must serve as a warning. Energy, environment and natural resource management are not distant issues: they are those that directly affect people’s security, economy and quality of life. A country that invests in prevention is a country that saves lives, reduces harm and protects its future.
This moment of sadness and concern is one of the fundamental things: to protect people, to strengthen local resilience and to act responsibly. Because when we have our head in nature, the state cannot waver.
To the families affected, we offer our sincere agreement and commitment that we will continue to require preparation, effective responses and concrete measures to meet the goals we face.
Economist and representative of Chega in the Assembleia da República
Leave a Reply