Greece Burns As Wildfire Sweeps Across The Nation
According to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report, Greece is now a climate change hotspot
PICTURE COURTESY: emmanuelblogs.com.ng
One of the most ancient civilizations around the Aegean Sea—with its legendary myths and cultural legacy—Greece is once again facing the wrath of nature. The country recently battled devastating wildfires, as the first major heatwave of the summer struck with force.
Thousands of hectares were scorched on Chios, Greece’s fifth-largest island. What began as flames in low vegetation rapidly spread to residential areas, fueled by soaring temperatures and dry conditions. The coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, located approximately 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Athens, were also severely affected. Wildfires ravaged homes and forced emergency evacuations, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of the region.
Athens, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has a storied history dating back at least 5,000 years (3000 BC). By 1400 BC, it had emerged as a key center of the Mycenaean civilization, with the Acropolis serving as a prominent fortress. The city later became renowned for its profound contributions to philosophy, astronomy, and the arts, especially in sculpture and architecture.
In response to the growing threat of wildfires, Greece has significantly strengthened its firefighting capabilities. Authorities have deployed an additional 18,000 firefighters this season, supported by volunteers, to combat blazes until the end of the fire season in October.
According to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Global Climate report, Greece is now a climate change hotspot. The country recorded both its hottest summer and warmest winter in 2024. The report warns that heat stress is expected to become more frequent and prolonged in Greece, with a notable rise in the number of “very strong heat stress” days in the years to come.
As wildfires rage and temperatures climb, Greece finds itself at the frontline of a warming planet—its ancient ruins and modern cities alike threatened by the intensifying effects of climate change.
The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy
