‘Everyone has a role to play in tackling the climate crisis. Words alone are not enough’

By the Climate Centre

IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain has issued a new call for urgent global action on climate change.

Against a backdrop of some of the worst wildfires in recent Greek history, in this instance near Athens, “we are reminded once again of the urgent need to address the climate crisis,” Mr Chapagain said on X/Twitter Tuesday.

“Greece has just endured its hottest June and July on record, leading to intense fires exacerbated by extreme heatwaves and dry conditions.

He continued: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Greece during this challenging time. Everyone has a role to play in tackling the climate crisis. Words alone are not enough. We need action – now.”

Volunteers and staff from the Greek Red Cross have been working alongside firefighters and emergency services (photo), providing first aid, essential health facilities services, and basic necessities, and assisting with evacuations in the affected area of the Attica region.

On its home page, the National Society appealed to the public to donate aid in kind, including foodstuffs, powdered milk for children, dressings and eye drops.

‘Last green lung’

Media reports yesterday quoted government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis as saying the Greek authorities have dealt with over 3,500 fires since May – nearly 50 per cent more than the same period in 2023.

This fire broke out Sunday and spread rapidly on several fronts reaching, reaching the historic town of Marathon in hours.

“By Tuesday, it had reached the suburbs on the slopes of Mount of Penteli, which is considered one of Athens’s last green lungs,” Reuters said.

The EU’s joint civil protection mechanism was triggered, leading to assistance arriving in Greece from at least eight countries which sent firefighting personnel and aircraft.

As of Wednesday, there were no active wildfires in the wider Athens area, but firefighters remained on high alert, according to Greece’s chief fire brigade spokesman, the BBC reported.

The Hellenic Red Cross first activated its simplified early action protocol for extreme in early June, triggered by a National Observatory of Athens forecast of nationwide scorching temperatures that are linked to climate change and conducive to wildfires.

Hellenic Red Cross volunteers assist firefighters affected by smoke during the various blazes in Attica this week that threatened Athens. (Photo: Hellenic Red Cross visa social media)