Experts link hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall to worsening wildfires under climate change.
Europe’s 2025 wildfire season shattered records for land destroyed.
More than one million hectares burned across the EU this year, larger than Corsica’s size.
This figure is over four times higher than last year.
Scale of Destruction Across Europe
Authorities declared more than 1,800 forest fires, releasing 38 million tonnes of CO₂.
Among 27 EU states, only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta reported no blazes.
Italy and Romania recorded over 450 wildfires each, leading the list.
Cyprus saw just three fires, yet their destruction proved extreme.
Spain lost more than 400,000 hectares, while Portugal lost over 260,000 hectares.
These losses represent 0.8% of Spain’s and 3% of Portugal’s territory.
Future Risks and Adaptation
Scientists warn harsher conditions will strain firefighting systems further.
Held stated firefighters can only succeed if landscapes become more resilient.
Officials promote vegetation clearing, controlled burning, and grazing to reduce fuel.
Agroforestry practices, blending farming and trees, also help defend ecosystems against future fires.
