How to better protect Europe from wildfires

Europe faces an increasing threat from wildfires, with particularly severe incidents occurring in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and even colder regions like the UK, Ireland, and Norway. The summer of 2022 saw more than 6,000 square kilometers of forest burned, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes, and causing an estimated €15 billion in damage.

A new study predicts that the risk of wildfires in Europe could worsen in the coming decades, with 39% more land burning annually by the end of the century if emissions continue at their current rate. Even with significant climate action, the study warns that wildfires could become more frequent, especially in the Mediterranean region and across western and central Europe.

The international community agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but countries are falling short of their targets. Despite increased fire-conducive conditions, Europe can still take action to mitigate the threat. Researchers suggest investing in wildfire management, better training for emergency responders, and stronger coordination between forestry authorities, conservation bodies, and fire services.

The EU has allocated €2.1 billion for forest and wildfire management programs in member states between 2021 and 2027, and such investments could pay off, with every euro spent potentially saving up to seven euros on firefighting and reconstruction. However, the study emphasizes that stronger climate action will be necessary to control wildfires in the long term, as climate change could create extreme conditions that exceed current prevention and firefighting capabilities.