aridification
Athens suburbs face urgent evacuations as wildfires rage near the Greek capital
A massive wildfire north of Athens has forced the evacuation of multiple suburbs, threatening lives and property as firefighters battle to contain the blaze.
In short:
- More than 670 firefighters and 30 aircraft have been deployed to combat wildfires threatening areas north of Athens.
- Evacuations include a children’s hospital, military clinic, and several towns, with the fire spreading rapidly despite efforts.
- Greece’s record-high temperatures and strong winds are fueling the fires, with climate change cited as a significant factor.
Key quote:
“Civil protection forces battled hard throughout the night, but despite superhuman efforts, the fire evolved rapidly.”
— Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, fire department spokesman
Why this matters:
As temperatures rise and dry conditions persist, these blazes are becoming more frequent and severe, putting lives, health, and entire ecosystems at risk. For families and healthcare workers in Greece, it's a nightmare scenario, one that’s becoming all too familiar. Read more: How do wildfires impact your health?
Reviving ancient practices to combat desertification in Jordan
Communities in Jordan are successfully using the ancient practice of hima to combat overgrazing and desertification, revitalizing local ecosystems and traditions.
In short:
- Hima, an ancient land-management practice, is being revived in Jordan to combat overgrazing and desertification, resulting in a significant increase in plant biomass and biodiversity.
- The rotational grazing system protects certain areas, allowing them to recover, which benefits both the environment and local shepherds.
- International conservation organizations are looking to scale up this culturally integrated approach across the Middle East.
Key quote:
"Our religion tells us that whoever plants a tree—and an animal, a bird, or a person eats from it, or takes shade in it, or lives in it—then he has good deeds, and his reward is with God."
— Emad al-Alimat, Bedouin shepherd
Why this matters:
Reviving hima not only restores ecosystems but also supports local communities, blending conservation with cultural and religious traditions, and offering a sustainable model for land management in arid regions. Read more: Climate, justice, and the deep roots of regenerative farming.
Texas wildfire becomes a historic disaster, threatening small towns
A devastating wildfire, now among Texas's largest, wreaks havoc across the Panhandle, claiming a life and menacing small towns.
Jim Vertuno and Sean Murphy report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The Smokehouse Creek Fire has expanded to more than 1,300 square miles, jumping into Oklahoma, with only 3% containment.
- An 83-year-old woman was confirmed dead, with extensive damage to communities and hundreds of cattle lost.
- Authorities warn of a dynamic situation, despite a temporary weather improvement, with significant challenges ahead.
Key quote:
“I don’t want the community there to feel a false sense of security that all these fires will not grow anymore. This is still a very dynamic situation.”
— Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Why this matters:
This wildfire's scale and impact is emblematic of the growing threat of climate change and extreme weather events, affecting health, safety, and livelihoods, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities. The ongoing crisis reflects a larger issue of environmental and public health importance. And yet, as the planet burns, climate spending dwindles.
Wildfires rage through Texas, affecting homes and halting nuclear facility operations
Texas firefighters worked feverishly to contain fast-moving wildfires driven by unseasonably dry conditions and persistent red flag winds in the Texas Panhandle.
In short:
- Wildfires, fueled by strong winds and warm temperatures, have caused evacuations and power outages in the Texas Panhandle.
- The Pantex Plant, a key U.S. nuclear weapons facility, temporarily ceased operations due to the fires.
- Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties as efforts to contain the blazes continue.
Key quote:
"Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe."
— Texas governor Greg Abbott
Why this matters:
Wildfires are erupting with increasing frequency and intensity as a consequence of climate change, posing significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. A changing climate and freakish weather are driving a growing need for a culture of warning and safety.
Colombia, normally a wet country, battles widespread wildfires
Siberia’s ice is melting, revealing its past and endangering its future
5 years after deadly Camp Fire, Paradise aims to create a fireproof town
A town some feared might be permanently wiped from the map is welcoming a new generation of young families.
