In the fall of 2024, Portugal experienced devastating wildfires, burning over 100,000 hectares and resulting in at least seven fatalities. As one of the largest wildfires in Europe that year, this incident highlights alarming trends related to climate change, which is making extreme fires more likely. Scientists report that Europe is facing multi-year droughts that increase the potential for such disasters. Annually, about 60,000 forest fires occur within the EU, resulting in severe economic losses and raising concerns that the frequency and intensity of these fires will only amplify in the coming decades due to ongoing climate and land use changes.
In Europe, researchers found that many parts are facing large increases in multi-year droughts, which are likely to lead to extreme fires occurring more frequently.
The report highlights that climate change, land use, and urbanization collectively contribute to the rapid intensification of wildfires across Europe.
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