Climate change has drastically worsened wildfire conditions in all of Europe, exacerbating an already serious crisis. The Mediterranean region, in particular, has witnessed rampant wildfires, which have more than doubled in frequency over the past two decades. As of July 22nd, 2025, an estimated 237,153 hectares have burned throughout the European Union. That’s an unbelievable increase of close to 78% over the same time last year. This disturbing trend threatens our ecosystems. It raises the specter of catastrophic post-fire flooding.
This summer, the scale of the fires have reached a new level, especially in areas such as Greece with temperatures exceeding 40°C. These extreme conditions combine to create an environment perfect for wildfires to start and quickly spread. Decades of escalating average temperatures and increasingly long cycles of drought have produced a perfect storm for such destructive events. So far this year, we’ve witnessed a shocking 45% surge in the total of fires. These communities have suffered immediate devastation from the oncoming wildfires. Yet, on top of that, they face the added peril of impending flood waters in many of the impacted neighborhoods.
Wildfires and Their Aftermath
The short-term impacts from wildfires mean the ground is more prone to flooding. Our research and studies from across the world indicate that burnt soil can take decades, if ever, to fully recover. During this time it becomes far more susceptible to intense rainfall. This trend is compounded by the fact that with every degree of warming, the atmosphere can hold roughly 7% more moisture. The overall effect of increasing global temperatures greatly compounds the issue. As a result, wildfires are damaging ecosystems while changing local climates in ways that risk creating deadly flooding scenarios.
Recent studies conducted in Spain’s Ebro River Basin reveal that if greenhouse gas emissions remain high and climate policies do not improve, the probability of high flood risk will increase by 10% due to ongoing wildfires. A storm that would typically be expected once every decade could produce flooding comparable to events typically seen once every 100 to 200 years under current wildfire conditions. This dramatic amplification of risk highlights the complex relationship between climate change, wildfire, and flooding.
Satellite data underscores a potentially worsening flip side of this issue. Once land is burnt, it becomes 5-10°C hotter as measured using remote sensing. This extreme heat can persist for almost a year due to the destruction of vegetative cover and soil quality. This added heat is creating conditions that are hampering ecosystem recovery. It creates extreme storm conditions, which lead to flooding. As vegetation fights to regrow, communities are at risk for much longer than the immediate destruction of wildfires.
Climate Change as a Catalyst
The role of climate change in making fire conditions worse is crucial and inarguable. Climate change has contributed to the dry conditions and extreme heat which has made conditions ripe for wildfires to start and spread. Indeed, as the world gets hotter, extreme wildfires will become even more frequent and intense. CO₂ emissions from wildfires are up 23% relative to 2024. This shocking increase is largely responsible for whipsawing greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere to new record heights.
The Mediterranean region is a stark example of climate change’s impact on fire activity. Wildfire season is in full swing right now, with historic fires burning across Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean nations, destroying homes and forcing evacuation. Heatwaves and dry weather in the west have made for a dangerous combination for wildfires. As communities contend with the existential horror that looms for their ecological landscapes.
The Broader Implications
Far beyond the short-term environmental impacts, such wildfires have wider ramifications for European economies and citizens’ safety. Meanwhile, as our land grows hotter and more fragile, governments have to devote resources to disaster response and recovery. The need for effective climate policies is more urgent than ever as communities navigate the dual threats of wildfires and flooding.
Additionally, the increasing intensity of extreme weather events shatters local economies based on both agriculture and tourism. Farmers may struggle with reduced crop yields due to scorched earth, while tourist destinations may see declines in visitors due to safety concerns. In this context, being proactive rather than reactive is key to addressing the risks of climate change.
