Wildfires in Europe: A Complex Risk That Needs Better Governance

Topic: Environment

A new study from CMCC shows that wildfires are becoming more frequent and extreme in Europe. The researchers argue that managing this risk requires better coordination between institutions, sectors, and communities.

Climate change, land-use change, and socioeconomic pressures are turning wildfires into a complex societal risk. This means that they affect not just the environment but also people's health, water resources, cultural heritage, and livelihoods.

A new study by CMCC (Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change) looked at wildfire risk governance in Italy, Greece, and Land Brandenburg. The researchers found that despite investments in firefighting capacity, wildfires are projected to become more frequent, extreme, and devastating. They argue that managing this complexity requires integrated wildfire risk governance systems.

The study used recent European fire statistics to show that there was a sharp increase in both burned area and the number of large fires in 2025. In fact, over 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) were burned in Europe during the summer of 2025, almost four times the area recorded in 2024.

Greece is presented as a Mediterranean hotspot, where the 2023 Alexandroupolis fire became the largest recorded wildfire in the EU, burning over 93,000 hectares (232,000 acres) in just 15 days. Italy and Land Brandenburg also experienced significant wildfires in 2024 and 2022, respectively.

The study reveals that wildfire governance is predominantly cross-sectoral, meaning it involves multiple sectors and stakeholders. This includes civil protection authorities, regional and local administrations, fire and forest services, ministries, cultural heritage bodies, and more.

Why It Matters

Wildfires are a growing concern in India as well, especially with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of such events. Understanding how to manage wildfire risk is crucial for protecting people's lives, property, and the environment.

Key Facts

• A new study by CMCC found that wildfires are becoming more frequent and extreme in Europe.
• Over 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) were burned in Europe during the summer of 2025.
• Greece experienced the largest recorded wildfire in the EU in 2023, burning over 93,000 hectares (232,000 acres).
• Italy and Land Brandenburg also experienced significant wildfires in 2024 and 2022, respectively.
• Wildfire governance is predominantly cross-sectoral, involving multiple sectors and stakeholders.

Key Terms

Cross-sectoral

Involving multiple sectors or groups working together.

Socioeconomic pressures

Factors such as poverty, inequality, and population growth that can contribute to wildfires.

Implications

Wildfires are a growing concern in India as well, especially with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of such events. Understanding how to manage wildfire risk is crucial for protecting people's lives, property, and the environment.