The Greek Armed Forces have stepped in to assist Armenia by constructing three Bailey Bridges in the flood-affected Lori region. This humanitarian mission, supported by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, highlights Greece’s commitment to aiding its allies and fostering international collaboration. The project also reflects the deep historical ties between Greece and Armenia, particularly in the Lori region, home to a longstanding Greek community.
Tag: climate crisis
Greece and Australia are strengthening their collaboration to tackle the growing threat of wildfires. In a recent meeting, Greek Minister Vasilis Kikilias and Australian Ambassador Alison Duncan discussed plans for enhanced cooperation, including an educational visit by Greek Fire Service officials to New South Wales. The initiative aims to exchange expertise and reinforce ties between the two nations in addressing climate-related challenges.
Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.
A state of emergency was declared on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Lemnos on Monday after a deadly storm caused widespread damage. Two men were killed in Lemnos as floods, strong winds, and heavy rain overturned cars, caused power outages, and led to evacuations. Rescue teams, supported by the military, worked to evacuate vulnerable residents. Greece’s climate crisis minister, Vassilis Kikilias, linked the extreme weather to climate change, urging residents to follow evacuation orders for their safety.
At COP29 in Baku, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s leadership in energy transformation, with 50% of the country’s energy now sourced from renewables. He emphasised that Greece’s geographical advantages and focus on energy exports are creating new investment opportunities. Mitsotakis also stressed the need to balance short-term climate adaptation with long-term mitigation efforts as part of Greece’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Christos Triantopoulos, announced in Parliament that €365 million has been distributed to flood victims in Greece over the past 18 months. The funds have supported over 65,000 individuals affected by the severe storms of 2023. Triantopoulos also emphasised the need for continued financial backing and staff extensions to ensure the efficiency of ongoing relief efforts as the country recovers from the disaster.
Greek-British actor Theo James, a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, is urging global leaders at COP29 to include refugees in climate policies. Drawing from his personal ties to refugees and recent visits to affected regions, James highlighted the urgent need for support as climate change drives displacement, stressing that climate and refugee crises are inseparably linked.
At the Green Deal 2024 conference, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias addressed the ongoing firefighting season and the challenges faced by fire brigades. He reported that, despite the official end of the fire season, new fires have broken out in several regions, contributing to a total of 9,000 incidents this year. Kikilias described the current situation as one of the most difficult in the past 30 to 35 years. He also discussed the AEGIS project, noting significant progress with tenders worth 1.8 billion euros and the imminent signing of contracts for new weather stations and radars—essential tools that Greece has been without since 2004.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking in Nafplio, called for urgent action to bridge Greece’s economic gap with Europe while addressing regional inequalities. At a local development event, he emphasised “double convergence”—ensuring equal opportunities for all Greek citizens, from major cities to rural villages. Mitsotakis highlighted key priorities, including water resource management, support for farmers, and solutions to housing and demographic challenges, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to tax reductions and economic growth.
In a parliamentary session focused on wildfires, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the emergency number 112 in saving lives. He reported that this year has been the most challenging in the last 40 years, with 9,101 fires recorded compared to 7,163 last year. While 1,754,000 acres burned last year, this year saw 440,000 acres affected. Mitsotakis emphasised that the Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, facing increasing challenges that require ongoing attention and response.
**Tags:** Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece, Cyprus, MED9 Summit, Middle East crisis, humanitarian aid, Jordan, climate crisis, European competitiveness, ceasefire
**Excerpt:** Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s unwavering support for Cyprus in resolving the Cyprus issue during the MED9 Summit. He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
Greece has unveiled a revised climate plan with ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 82% of electricity generation from solar and wind power by 2030. This plan exceeds previous goals and supports the EU’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. As the country faces increasing climate impacts, including wildfires and floods, Greece plans to invest €95 billion by 2030 to enhance energy efficiency, expand renewables, and bolster infrastructure against extreme weather.
Greece saw a 24% reduction in burnt land during 2024, despite facing its toughest fire season in 40 years. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias credited the success to coordinated firefighting efforts, rapid response strategies, and advanced technology, including drones and aerial patrols. The government’s €2.1 billion investment in civil protection also played a crucial role in mitigating fire damage.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias revealed in a recent interview that Greece…
Greece is implementing new fees for cruise ship passengers and tourists staying in accommodations, including short-term rentals, starting June 2025. These measures aim to generate revenue for infrastructure improvements and promote sustainable tourism practices, while still expecting record tourism revenue.
Greek authorities, including security forces and the military, are on high alert as the severe storm “ATENA” threatens potential flooding. In a coordination meeting led by Climate Crisis Minister Vasilis Kikilias, emergency response plans were activated, including the deployment of EMAK rescue units and standby fire brigade teams for water pumping.
The Greek island of Tinos will receive two temporary desalination plants to address ongoing water shortages. Approved by the Shipping Ministry, these plants will be located in Kardiani and Panormos, each with a capacity of 200 cubic meters per day. This initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle water management challenges on the Greek islands, exacerbated by the climate crisis.
August 2024 was the warmest on record since 2010 for Northern and Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, and the Peloponnese, with average temperatures up to 1.8°C above seasonal norms. The month followed an already hot summer and saw significant deviations, with Athens and Thessaloniki experiencing notable temperature increases. While other regions recorded the second warmest August, the Aegean islands and Crete saw cooler temperatures due to prevailing winds.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has introduced a comprehensive 10-point action plan to restore Attica following recent wildfires. The plan includes immediate cleanup efforts, emergency financial aid for affected citizens and businesses, and large-scale reforestation projects. Additionally, the government will enhance fire prevention strategies, upgrade civil protection systems, and implement new policies for land management to protect against future environmental threats.
Greece is battling severe forest fires intensified by extreme weather. Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos from the National Observatory of Athens notes that rapid warming and marine heatwaves are fueling the blazes. The fires, driven by high temperatures and dry winds, have led to evacuations and increased wildfire response efforts.