Simon Kuper has spent decades in journalism, building a reputation around football writing, literary takes on the beautiful game, and a steady stream of thoughtful essays. He has a soft spot for Barca and a deep respect for Johan Cruyff, and he now contributes regular columns to major outlets such as the Financial Times.
In a recent piece for a prominent British newspaper, he tackles a provocative question: should governments spend more—or less—on guns? He mentions former prime minister Boris Johnson as one example, illustrating how the debate mirrors larger questions about public spending and security.
Kuper notes that he spent a year in Madrid trying to understand Spain more fully. Among his conclusions is the idea that Spain has been ranked as one of the most livable countries for foreigners who enjoy privilege, yet climate change poses a particular threat to the country. This juxtaposition frames climate policy as a priority for Spaniards, even as debates about national unity and regional modern traumas—like the Catalonia independence issue of 2017—remain central in the political discourse.
He observes the symbolics of political sentiment in different cities, pointing to the proliferation of Catalan flags in Barcelona and the spread of the rojigualda in Madrid as markers of a divided national mood. He also weighs in on political corruption, arguing that even amid these tensions there are positive indicators, including a life expectancy that stands at or around the mid-80s and may eventually rank among the world’s highest.
priority discussion
One of Kuper’s core concerns is an “empty Spain” phenomenon—a country facing depopulation and shifting demographics, with climate threats intensifying the challenge. He highlights how heat and drought threaten central regions, turning Madrid into a booming but stressed hub that risks eclipsing Barcelona as a business center and, in some eyes, becoming a financial haven for the capital. This dynamic underscores broader questions about regional resilience and economic balance within the country.
In his frame, the looming climate crisis is a central test for Spain’s institutions and society. He recalls a vivid image: orange Sahara dust drifting onto balconies, a signal of harsher conditions to come. In some areas, temperatures exceeding 40ºC render certain locales uncomfortable or uninhabitable, emphasizing the urgency of adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“Empty Spain”
To reinforce his warning, Kuper describes barren, cracked fields visible from train windows and notes signs of desertification spreading across roughly one-fifth of Spain’s territory. The long-term implication is clear: tourism patterns may gradually shift away from the sun-soaked south toward the cooler, more sustainable north as summer heat shifts from temptation to threat. These trends point to a broader transformation in how Spain’s regions attract visitors and support livelihoods.
The coming crisis in Spain, according to Kuper, centers on climate change. He recalls the Sahara dust episode as a prophetic moment and emphasizes that some regions could experience uninhabitable conditions as heat intensifies.
“North of Africa”
To underscore his warning, he describes parched fields seen from train carriages that resemble North Africa. In parallel, harvest activity in regions like Jerez began earlier than ever, signaling shifts in agricultural timing. Desertification already affects about a fifth of Spain’s lands, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management and land use. He also cautions that tourism may migrate away from the scorching southern coast to greener northern climates as summer heat becomes more of a risk than a lure.