Raging wildfires in Izmir spark concerns over climate-related threats in Turkey
In the heart of Turkey's Aegean region, the city of Izmir has been grappling with the devastating effects of wildfires. Last June, large-scale wildfires erupted across forested areas near Izmir, destroying over 3,500 hectares of vegetation in just two days [1]. The fires, which are not an isolated case, indicate a trend of increased natural disasters under the influence of climate change in the region.
Climate change has significantly contributed to the increase and intensity of wildfires in Turkey, including in Izmir province, through several interconnected factors. Rising temperatures and heatwaves have made conditions favorable to wildfires. For example, in recent years, some areas recorded temperature anomalies as high as 12°C above normal [2][3].
Prolonged drought and dry vegetation, driven by climate change, have made grasses and forest undergrowth more combustible. The dry grasses in Izmir were quickly ignited, reportedly starting from electrical lines, and then spread due to fierce winds [3].
The fires have caused mass evacuations—over 50,000 people temporarily displaced in affected provinces including Izmir—and severe damage to residential and other buildings [1]. Major losses to olive crops and rural assets were reported during the wildfires.
Effective coordination between national institutions, municipalities, civil society, and international partners is necessary for Turkey to better protect its landscapes and communities from the intensifying impact of climate change. International cooperation is increasing, with Turkey participating in joint wildfire drills with Greece and Bulgaria under the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism.
Conservationists advocate the use of a variety of local, indigenous plant species that hold more water and pose less fire propagation. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Turkey are demanding better land management, including the re-establishment of forests and avoiding monoculture during replanting in burnt forests.
Rebuilding fire-resistive infrastructure in rural areas is a priority, as many villages connected to forests lack well-defined evacuation strategies and fireproof standards of buildings. Building climate resilience in Turkey requires a combination of stronger local awareness, improved policies on the use of land, and more rapid response processes.
The Izmir wildfires have highlighted the need for Turkey to address its preparedness for climate change and develop a mitigation strategy. The government agencies' aerial firefighting fleet has been increased recently, but experts believe more profound structural changes are necessary.
The trend of increased natural disasters under the influence of climate change is a global concern. As we move forward, it is crucial for all nations to work together to combat this challenge and protect our planet for future generations.
- The Syrian government and Turkey's, as well as other regional nations, should collaborate on environmental-science research to understand and mitigate the impact of climate change on wildfire occurrences.
- In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Izmir, Greece could share its experience in health-and-wellness recovery and fitness-and-exercise programs for those displaced.
- To prevent future wildfires, the Turkish government could implement more Turkic-inspired landscape management practices, such as promoting the cultivation of native, fire-resistant plant species, as suggested by local conservationists.
- A longer-term plan for climate change mitigation in Turkey could include investment in science and technology to monitor climate change and develop eco-friendly, fire-resistant infrastructure in high-risk rural areas.
- By participating in global scientific forums on climate-change and environmental-science, Turkey can learn from other countries' best practices in combating the rise of natural disasters and share its own experiences, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for all.
