The conditions that have developed due to the climate crisis, but also the need for cooperation in order to deal with this new situation, were mentioned, among others, by Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias at the International Conference on Aerial Forest Fire Fighting.

“We are living globally in the era of climate crisis – some scientists are even talking about climate collapse – something that is happening all over the world. We are experiencing worldwide unprecedented situations of extreme weather phenomena with mega fires and unprecedented amounts of rainfall. We saw it not only in Greece, but also in New York, Canada”, he noted and underlined that “the only way to face this new situation is to work together to try to find a different answer”.

Mr. Kikilias emphasized that their main mission is to protect human life and added: “We must upgrade our infrastructure in the context of these new conditions.”

At the same time, he pointed out that “it is time for change, it is time for cooperation, to create a new prevention plan, with modern means of protection to deal with the climate crisis”.

“It is time for all of us, states, agencies, public sector, European Union to work together and find more enhanced solutions based on new technologies, artificial intelligence, science, and the experience of our operators. And of course, it is also an opportunity for the private sector to declare itself “present”, to participate and become part of the solution. In a professional manner and always in the interest of the citizens. We are ready to cooperate. After many years, the Greek government has a large civil protection program worth 1 billion for new helicopters, sensors, new digital technologies, weather stations and drones”, underlined Mr. Kikilias.