Homes burn in Greece as wildfire sweeps through coastal towns

Wildfires Disaster in Athens

The areas of Kineta and Kalavryta were among those affected, with homes and cars engulfed by flames and residents fleeing through smoke-filled streets. Many have criticized the government's response to the fires, with some accusing them of prioritizing the Olympics over tackling the crisis. The wildfire is thought to have started after a period of prolonged heat and drought, exacerbated by Greece's highest-ever temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius last month. Authorities have urged residents to avoid using trees and vegetation for kindling, as well as to avoid starting fires in general. The cause of the wildfire is not yet known.

Climate Change's Role Uncertain

Some have blamed climate change for the wildfire, with Greece experiencing its hottest decade on record. However, the country's chief climate scientist, Panagiotis Staresis, has said it is "too soon" to make such a determination. He added that such fires are "definitely accelerated by the climate crisis", but that other factors such as Greece's extended drought and high vegetation dryness play a role. The IPCC recently released a report detailing the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity, which found that extreme weather events will become more frequent.

A Crisis in the Mediterranean

This is not the first time Greece has faced severe wildfires, and it likely won't be the last. The country is particularly vulnerable due to its warm, dry climate, as well as its varied topography. Over the past few years, Greece has experienced several deadly fires, including one that killed 101 people in the summer of 2018. While wildfires are a natural part of the Mediterranean ecosystem, the increasing intensity and frequency of these fires are cause for concern.