Though beautiful, Greece is notorious for its annual wildfires. Every summer, there is another wildfire, and this year proves to be one of the worst this country has faced.
Beginning to spread into the suburbs of Athens after ignited in the northern fringes of the capital, the fires have forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate, as the fires have been fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions. Due to the Mediterranean climate– combination of dry summers, strong winds, and flammable vegetation– Greece is highly susceptible to wildfires.
The fact that this year is the worst wildfire Greece has faced emphasizes that issues surrounding climate change continue to exacerbate. Though climate change is worsening worldwide, Greece needs to implement public policy practices specific to their own country to hopefully mitigate these wildfires. Global practices will not be as helpful to them as domestic ones could be.
This could be seen by Greece updating building codes to mandate fire-resistant materials and designs, especially in vulnerable areas. Current agricultural practices could also be improved by promoting controlled burns and regular clearing of vegetation around homes and fields to reduce fuel loads. Additionally, the government could implement stricter regulations on illegal land clearing and promote community-based programs for maintaining firebreaks and creating defensible space around properties, ensuring that residents are actively involved in wildfire prevention efforts.
Ayan Kumar's Blog 