It provides you with shade and blesses you with fruit.

15/08/2026 – 21/08/2026  By Uwe Heitkamp

Edition 32.2026

What we are currently experiencing in southern Europe is not just simply the weather, nor is it just simply the summer season. Whether we call it climate change, a climate crisis or even a climate catastrophe is not the key issue. What is crucial is that we recognise the heat and the accompanying drought for what they are: a massive change that represents aa serious threat to our living environment.

If we track and assess the behaviour of the climate over the course of a whole year, we can see that the catastrophe began in 2026 with very heavy rainfall over many weeks in January and February. We know why we are experiencing extreme weather here in the Algarve and across Portugal. The heat we generate through our lifestyle comes back to us in the form of storms and thunderstorms. The ferocity of the weather is considerable. For whoever sows the wind will reap the whirlwind. The damage is enormous.

Once the hot fumes have left the exhaust pipes of our cars or the chimneys of our houses, no one can bring them back and neutralise them. So, do we perhaps need laws that tell us exactly when our carbon footprint has become too excessive? Laws that will decide when enough is enough? Do we need laws that dictate how much CO₂ each of us is allowed to emit, because people do not voluntarily set limits for themselves?

Every flight taken for a holiday, every car journey that burns petrol or diesel fuel, every use of air conditioning, every AI query – not only do these consume far too much energy, but they all contribute to making life hotter, both in the atmosphere and in the oceans themselves. Water temperatures in the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean were a staggering 33 degrees Celsius this week. Clearly, every individual would seem to have numerous ways in which they can contribute to global warming. Are you flying to the Algarve on holiday?

But then, each of us also has the opportunity to achieve a balanced life through a wish and a decision. Imagine you could make one free ‘climate wish’ every week – what would you wish for?

Let me give you an example. This week, you decide to stop buying petrol, diesel, coal and gas altogether. Where would you start? With your car? Or with the instant water heater? Or with your cooker? And how do you heat your shower water? How do you get to work? What do you cook with?

Instead of flying off on holiday, take the train. The Algarve has some lovely railway stations, and the railway line is currently being 100 per cent electrified. At last!

Here’s another example. Take an acorn (seed) and plant a tree in a flowerpot. Place this seed in the flowerpot on your kitchen windowsill, water it every day, and wait with curiosity to see what will be waiting for you one morning.

In a few months’ time, winter will be with us once again, here in Portugal. Put your smartphone aside, pick up a spade and dig a hole here in our Botanical Garden. There, we’ll show you a spot for your tree, where you can leave a lasting legacy. You plant your tree and that’s that. We’ll take care of the plaque. Because one day, every tree will provide us with shade and bless us with fruit. Do give it some thought…