Wildfires darken skies across Europe and beyond
Smoke-filled skies over Spain and France this year are not storm clouds but the result of devastating wildfires. Near Marseille, flames scorched over 700 hectares, injured more than 100 people, and forced one of France's busiest airports to close. Similar fires are raging in Greece, Turkey, Canada, and the U.S., raising urgent questions about why wildfires are worsening and how they can be prevented.
Climate change and shifting fire patterns
Experts warn that climate changeis fueling more frequent and intense fires. In 2023, over half a million hectares burned across the EU, causing €4 billion in damages and emitting as much CO₂ as Kenya produces in a year. Rising temperaturesand drier conditions mean fires ignite more easily and spread faster, even in regions like England and Wales, which rarely faced such threats before. Scientists explain that ecosystems have natural "fire regimes," and while some landscapes depend on fire for renewal, others—such as the Amazon rainforest—are highly vulnerable, with even small fires leading to lasting destruction.
From firefighting to fire prevention
Governments often focus on dramatic firefighting efforts, but experts stress that prevention is far more effective. Traditional practices like prescribed burns, thinning, and grazing are making a comeback in places like Spain, Germany, and the U.S., helping to reduce fuel buildup and restore forest health. Indigenous knowledge from Australia and North America also shows the value of living with fire rather than trying to eliminate it completely. Everyday citizens can play a role too—by clearing vegetation around homes, cleaning rooftops, and supporting rural life, which helps manage landscapes naturally. The key, experts say, is shifting from fighting fire to managing it, ensuring safer and more resilient environments.
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