Hungry goats to the rescue in fire-ravaged Catalonia

Flocks of sheep and goats reduce undergrowth to create fire breaks designed to protect urban areas

Harry Cockburn
Environment Correspondent
Monday 15 August 2022 18:00 BST
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<p>Goats in Spain are being used to clear vegetation in an effort to reduce the impacts of worsening wildfires</p>

Goats in Spain are being used to clear vegetation in an effort to reduce the impacts of worsening wildfires

Hotter, drier weather due to the climate crisis is causing more frequent and more intense heatwaves around the world, and with them, come greater incidences of wildfires.

As Europe swelters in the grip of one of the most intense heatwaves and droughts in centuries, various methods of dealing with the fire risk from tinder-dry vegetation are being deployed.

Some shops have stopped selling disposable barbecues blamed for starting some fires; beavers in Somerset are helping regenerate wetlands and keep groundwater levels up; in the US, the world’s most advanced fire-fighting aircraft can deliver over 6,000l of water to major wildfires.

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