Climate Change Fuels Fiercer Wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus

August 29, 2025

A Record-Breaking Wildfire Season

This summer, massive wildfires tore through Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, leaving behind destruction and heartbreak. According to a recent study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), these fires were made 22% more intense because of climate change caused by human activities, like burning fossil fuels. The study also found that the hot, dry, and windy weather that fueled these fires is now 10 times more likely than it would have been without climate change.

2025 has been Europe’s worst wildfire year on record, with over 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) of land burned. That’s an area bigger than Cyprus itself! The fires have been so fierce that they’ve pushed firefighters to their limits, even with help from other countries.

Why Are These Fires So Bad?

Climate change is making summers hotter and drier, turning forests and grasslands into tinderboxes. In Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F), and strong winds, called Etesian winds, fanned the flames. The WWA study says winter rainfall has dropped by 14% since pre-industrial times, leaving the land parched and ready to burn. These dry, hot spells are now 13 times more likely, making wildfires bigger and harder to control.

In Turkey, the fires were especially deadly, claiming 17 lives, including firefighters caught by sudden wind shifts. Greece saw one death, and Cyprus reported two. Over 80,000 people had to evacuate across the three countries. In Greece, islands like Crete and Kythera were hit hard, with half of Kythera burned. Turkey’s western provinces, like Izmir and Bursa, saw mass evacuations as fires got dangerously close to cities.

What People Are Saying on X

People on X have been sharing their thoughts about the wildfires and climate change. One user wrote, “The fires in Turkey and Greece are heartbreaking. It’s clear climate change is making things worse—when will we act?” Another user said, “Seeing my village near Izmir burn was terrifying. We need to stop burning fossil fuels now!” These posts show how deeply people feel about the destruction and the need for change.

Some users also pointed out the challenges firefighters face. One post read, “Firefighters are heroes, but they’re fighting an uphill battle with these climate-fueled fires. We need better prevention.” These voices highlight the urgency and personal impact of the crisis.

The Role of Fossil Fuels

The WWA study is clear: burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas is driving climate change, which makes wildfires worse. Theodore Keeping, a researcher at Imperial College London, said, “Today, with 1.3°C of warming, we’re seeing new extremes in wildfire behavior. But we’re heading for up to 3°C this century unless countries move away from fossil fuels faster.”

[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/greece-turkey-cyprus-athens-mediterranean-b2815470.html)

Experts warn that if we don’t cut down on fossil fuels, fires like these could become even more common and intense. In a world with 2.6°C of warming, extreme fire weather could be nine times more likely and 25% more intense. That’s a scary thought for places like southern Europe, where forests are already struggling.

What Can Be Done?

Fighting these fires isn’t just about putting them out—it’s about preventing them. Experts like Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre suggest focusing on fire prevention, like clearing dry vegetation and teaching communities about fire risks. Greece has gotten better at detecting and stopping fires early, but more needs to be done.

[](https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/climate-change-made-turkey-greece-wildfires-10-times-more-likely-study)

In Turkey, the flammable Calabrian pine forests help fires spread but also regrow after burning. This natural cycle could be used to rebuild forests smarter. Across Europe, countries are sending firefighters and water-dropping planes to help, but the fires are stretching resources thin. Long-term solutions, like cutting fossil fuel use and managing forests better, are key to keeping these disasters in check.

A Call to Action

The wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus are a wake-up call. Climate change is making our world more dangerous, and we’re all feeling the heat—literally. By moving away from fossil fuels and working together to prevent fires, we can protect our forests, homes, and lives. As one X user put it, “Nature is screaming at us to change. Let’s listen before it’s too late.”

What do you think about the wildfires and climate change? Share your thoughts below, and let’s talk about how we can make a difference!