Climate Change Fuels Deadly Wildfires in Greece, Turkey & Cyprus

Post by : Monika

Photo: AP

This summer, Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus faced devastating wildfires. A recent study has shown that climate change made these fires much more severe than they would have been otherwise. The fires resulted in the deaths of 20 people, forced around 80,000 residents to leave their homes, and destroyed more than 1 million hectares of land,

which is about 2.47 million acres. The study was conducted by World Weather Attribution, a group that examines how climate change affects extreme weather events. According to their research, climate change increased the intensity of these fires by around 22%.

These wildfires are not only a tragedy for the people affected but also a warning for the future. Scientists say that as global temperatures continue to rise, such extreme fire events will become more frequent and more dangerous. Understanding why these fires became so destructive can help communities prepare better and prevent similar disasters in the future.

Why the Fires Became So Severe

Several factors combined to make this summer’s fires in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus particularly dangerous. The study highlighted three major reasons:

High Temperatures:
The region experienced extremely high temperatures, with some areas reaching over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). These hot conditions dried out the vegetation, including forests and grasslands. Dry plants are much easier to catch fire, which means that once a fire starts, it spreads very quickly. The extreme heat also made it more difficult for firefighters to work for long periods, as they had to deal with both the flames and the oppressive temperature.

Lower Rainfall:
The Mediterranean region has been experiencing less rainfall over the years, and this summer was no exception. The study found that winter rainfall has decreased by about 14% since the pre-industrial era.

Less rain means the soil and plants are drier, which adds fuel to fires. Forests, shrubs, and fields that normally might be somewhat damp and slow to burn became dry and flammable. Combined with the extreme heat, this created an environment where fires could start easily and spread fast.

Strong Winds:
The Mediterranean region is known for the Etesian winds, which are strong, dry winds that blow across the area during the summer. These winds helped the fires spread over large distances in a very short time. Even if a fire starts in a small area, strong winds can carry embers to other places, causing new fires to ignite. This made it very difficult for firefighters to control the flames and prevent them from reaching villages, towns, and farms.

When these three factors—high temperatures, low rainfall, and strong winds—come together, scientists call it a "perfect storm" for wildfires. It is a combination of natural conditions and human-caused climate change that makes the fires more severe than they would have been in the past.

How Climate Change Is Changing the Mediterranean Region

The study also shows that climate change is not just making wildfires worse; it is affecting the whole region’s weather patterns. Heatwaves, longer fire seasons, and drier conditions are becoming more common. Experts warn that this trend is likely to continue unless strong measures are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming.

Heatwaves Are More Common:
Heatwaves are now 13 times more likely than before. When temperatures stay extremely high for several days, it can cause stress on people, animals, and plants. It also increases the risk of wildfires because the dry conditions and hot air make it easier for fires to ignite and spread.

Longer Fire Seasons:
In the past, wildfires were usually limited to the hottest months of the year. Now, the fire season is becoming longer, sometimes lasting for several months. This puts extra pressure on firefighting resources, as they have to be ready for more days of high-risk conditions. Longer fire seasons also affect agriculture, tourism, and daily life for communities living in these regions.

Experts are warning that if global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of such wildfires will increase. This is not just a problem for Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus—it is a warning for the entire Mediterranean region, including countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Communities will need to adapt to these new conditions to reduce the risk of future disasters.

How Countries Responded to the Fires

The wildfires in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus prompted massive emergency responses. Each country had to act quickly to save lives and protect homes.

Greece:
Greece deployed a record number of 18,000 firefighting personnel to battle the flames. The government also increased the number of surveillance drones to 82. These drones helped firefighters monitor the spread of fires from the air and direct resources where they were most needed. Despite these efforts, the fires caused significant damage to homes, forests, and infrastructure.

European Union Support:
The European Union sent additional help by providing 300 firefighters from other countries. This international support was crucial, as it allowed local firefighters to rotate and rest while still keeping the fires under control. The cooperation shows how countries in the region can work together during emergencies caused by climate change.

Community Evacuations:
About 80,000 people had to evacuate their homes. Evacuations were challenging because the fires spread quickly, sometimes leaving little time for people to leave safely. Emergency services had to ensure that residents could escape without harm while also protecting animals, livestock, and important property.

Despite the large-scale efforts, the wildfires highlighted how difficult it is to control natural disasters that are intensified by climate change. The destruction of forests, farmland, and towns will have long-term effects on the region’s economy and the lives of people living there.

Lessons and Future Planning

The wildfires this summer have provided important lessons for governments, communities, and scientists:

Early Warning Systems:
Better early warning systems can help residents prepare and evacuate safely. Monitoring weather conditions, wind patterns, and dryness levels can alert people when there is a high risk of wildfires.

Prepared Communities:
Communities need to be prepared with evacuation plans, fire-resistant building materials, and emergency supplies. Education campaigns can help people understand how to protect themselves and their property during fire emergencies.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Experts emphasize that reducing emissions from cars, factories, and power plants can slow global warming. Slowing climate change will help reduce the frequency and intensity of wildfires over time.

International Cooperation:
The cooperation seen during these fires, such as the European Union sending firefighters, shows how countries can support each other during climate emergencies. Future strategies may include sharing firefighting equipment, drones, and expertise.

Looking Ahead

The study on these wildfires serves as a warning about the growing impacts of climate change. The fires were more severe than they would have been in the past because of hotter temperatures, drier conditions, and strong winds. Scientists believe that unless global warming is addressed, wildfires like these will become more common, putting communities at risk.

Communities in the Mediterranean and around the world need to take action now. Preparing for extreme weather, improving firefighting capabilities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are all steps that can help reduce the risk of future disasters. The 2025 wildfires in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus are a stark reminder that climate change is already affecting people’s lives, homes, and the natural environment.

The summer of 2025 will be remembered as a turning point when people realized that climate change is not just a future problem—it is happening now. The destruction caused by these fires highlights the urgent need for global cooperation and individual responsibility to protect our planet.

If action is taken today, it may be possible to reduce the number of future disasters and safeguard communities for generations to come.

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