Zerefos: A pan-European solution is needed to deal with fires

“Fires are a pan-European, but also global phenomenon, related to the climate crisis. We witness fires even in Siberia, but also in other “unlikely” places. The cause is the decrease in the relative humidity of the soil worldwide due to the increase in temperature, but also the decrease in precipitation. Drought makes all ecosystems more vulnerable to fire. The conditions that are forming cause an increase in all extreme weather phenomena and especially fires. That is why a pan-European solution is needed to deal with the phenomenon”. This was stated by the Secretary of the Academy of Athens and National Representative of Greece on Climate Change speaking to APE-MPE.

In fact, the distinguished professor recalled that the former European Commissioner and current Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Christos Stylianidis had submitted such a proposal to the EU in the past. Although this proposal did not succeed at the time, today it must be reinstated, he pointed out, speaking of the need for the EU to formulate a robust and coherent policy towards dealing with and adapting to the consequences of the climate crisis. He emphasized the need to penetrate Renewable Energy Sources for its independence from fossil fuels.

While, he announced that the updated version of the Bank of Greece’s report – which he heads – on the costs in case of non-adaptation of our country to the effects of the climate crisis, states that they are going to far exceed 700 billion euros by the end of century. However, he expressed optimism that Greece will begin to adapt more quickly.

“In our country, if we unite, politicians and scientists, leaving rivalries and envy aside, Greece can be put in charge at a pan-European level in the specific issues,” he said.

Regarding the recent fires in our country, Mr. Zerefos, who was also affected by the fire himself, as he lives in Drafi, while he is still trying to repair the damage to his residence, noted the successful and timely warning sent through “112”, speaking of an important step forward compared to the past, however he pointed out that the corresponding steps have not been taken at the level of prevention.

In addition, as the internationally renowned professor tells APE-MPE, vigilance is required from everyone to arrest the arsonists, but also to tighten the penalties for this type of crime. In fact, he suggested that the arsonists should be announced for a monetary reward, but also the establishment of a prize for those citizens who manage to actively contribute to the prevention and treatment of fires.

As Mr. Zerefos said, this year we may have had many fires, but they were extinguished more quickly and without casualties. The fire department did an excellent job and should be given an award, but also the police who contributed to not mourning the dead. While praising the good cooperation of ground and air means.

According to the data made public by Mr. Zerefos:

In Greece, the temperature is increasing rapidly, especially during the summer season, with the increase exceeding 2.5 degrees Celsius in the last 100 years.

The average annual temperature in the Mediterranean has increased by about 1.5 degrees Celsius over the last hundred years. It is expected to further increase by 3-5 degrees Celsius by 2100. Whereas, the increase is expected to be greater during the summer months.

In addition, the average rain during the rainy season in the Mediterranean has decreased by about 15% in the last 100 years. And it is expected to continue to decline by up to 15 – 30% in the southernmost parts of the Mediterranean by the end of the century.

In particular, in Greece, the average temperature is expected to increase to values ​​similar to the rest of the Mediterranean until 2100. While, the average rain during the rainy season in Greece is expected to continue to decrease by up to 15 – 30% in the southernmost parts of Greece until 2100.

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