Spain's deadly floods: 'There is no doubt climate change worsened these extreme rains'

At least 9 people have died after a month's worth of rain fell in just a few hours in eastern Spain.

The torrential downpours caused flash floods and mudslides, sweeping away cars and destroying homes.

The worst-hit areas were in the regions of Alicante, Murcia and Valencia, where some towns were left isolated.

Scientists say that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and more intense.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that global warming is leading to more extreme rainfall, flooding, heatwaves and droughts.

The IPCC's latest report, published in August 2021, found that human activity is "unequivocally" causing the climate to change, and that the world is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as more extreme weather events.

The floods in Spain are a reminder of the urgent need to take action on climate change.

The European Union has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, and to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The United States has rejoined the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

However, more needs to be done to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Individuals can play a role by reducing their own carbon footprint, by using less energy, driving less, and eating less meat.

Businesses can also play a role by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The floods in Spain are a tragedy, but they are also a wake-up call.

We need to take urgent action on climate change to prevent even more devastating events in the future.