Is Homo Sapiens Really the Wise Human?

As Europe faces an exceptional heat wave, we must question if Homo sapiens—Latin for "wise human"—truly merits its name. While France shuts schools due to unbearable heat and first nuclear plants due to cooling water constraints, Italy limits outdoor work, Spain's water temperatures reach record highs and many northern EU countries experience record temperature, the EU debates weakening its 2040 climate targets. This clearly raises questions about our wisdom in addressing existential threats.

In July 2025, the EU Commission proposed a climate target with "flexibilities" to accommodate members' economic concerns. Yet, this comes as climate change consequences become increasingly visible. France's school closures and Spain's threatened marine ecosystems are not anomalies but clear signs of a looming future unless decisive action is taken.

Weakening climate targets is more than bureaucratic; it's a dangerous gamble with our planet's future. Proponents argue for economic flexibility to maintain unity and stability, ignoring the long-term costs of environmental degradation. The question remains: do short-term economic interests justify sacrificing the planet's health? Not in my opinion! Particularly, because we have options to mitigate cost impacts on society while renewing significant parts of the EU and global economy.

The science is clear: time is running out to mitigate climate change's worst impacts. The Paris Agreement set a global tone for limiting temperature rise, and we know that deviation will spell disaster. As a climate leader, economic powerhouse and strongly affected region, the EU must set ambitious targets and adhere to them, resisting short-term pressures with smart concepts and transition mechanisms.

Europe's current heat wave underscores the climate crisis's urgency, calling for action, not complacency. The focus should be on strengthening and accelerating climate targets, not weakening them.

To embody the wisdom of our species' name, Homo sapiens must show foresight and responsibility, prioritizing the planet over short-term interests. Today's choices will define our legacy. Let's prove we are the wise humans we claim to be.