Greece Battles Escalating Wildfire Incidents Amidst Significant Tree Cover Changes

Greece Battles Escalating Wildfire Incidents Amidst Significant Tree Cover Changes

Greece has recently faced a wildfire incident in the Decentralized Administration of Attica, marking a continued challenge for the Mediterranean nation. Over the past two decades, Greece has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 18,862 hectares, a change of -0.38%. This loss is a result of various factors, with forestry activities and wildfires being the primary drivers. Notably, wildfires alone have contributed to a tree cover loss of over 1,000 hectares, emphasizing the severity of such incidents on the country's natural resources.

The impact of these incidents is not just limited to the loss of trees but also includes significant carbon emissions. The data shows that forestry activities have been responsible for the majority of tree cover loss, leading to millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Shifting agriculture and urbanization, although to a lesser extent, also play a role in this environmental challenge.