The expert told how large-scale fires in Europe and the food crisis are connected

Europe has been swept by a wave of abnormal heat, as a result of which large-scale fires are spreading across the continent. The consequence of natural phenomena may be the intensification of the food crisis that has arisen in the world as a result of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.

This was stated by the deputy of the Kyiv City Council of the VIII convocation Konstantin Yalovoy.

He said that high temperatures and strong winds in European countries have caused large-scale fires.

So, in Spain, within the Sierra de la Culebra mountain range in the province of Zamora, a fire destroyed 30,000 hectares of forest, including about 600 square meters in the biosphere reserve. The government has declared the area a disaster area. The fire also endangered the survival of Spain's largest wolf population living within the region.

In Greece, on the island of Euboea, the second largest in the country, a forest fire has come close to residential buildings. Therefore, the inhabitants of the village of Kremastos had to be evacuated.

In Germany, near Berlin, the fire spread to about 110 hectares. Residents of 20 villages were ordered to leave due to the proximity of the fire.

In the Turkish mountainous region of Bordubet, about 3,000 hectares of forest were affected by the fire. 2.5 thousand firefighters, 45 helicopters and 12 aircraft were involved in extinguishing the fire. About 275 residents of the region were evacuated due to the threat of the spread of fire.

“The consequences of fires have a long-term negative impact on the environment. In addition to a decrease in the number of populations of rare animals and plants, the quality of the soil and the conditions for natural restoration of vegetation are declining. Today's drought and fires in Europe will further exacerbate the food crisis in the world caused by Russia's aggression,” Konstantin Yalovoy stressed.

He noted that large-scale fires and abnormal temperatures are becoming the norm for Europe. Climatologists predict that as a result of global warming, heat waves will become more frequent and longer. This, in turn, will lead to catastrophic natural phenomena for the continent.

Ukraine is also forced to deal with the consequences of extreme heat. Recently, the State Emergency Service announced an emergency level of fire danger in the southern, western, most northern regions, as well as in Vinnitsa, Dnepropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Fighting complicates the situation. Explosions and shelling became another cause of the fire. So, back in early May, the State Forest Resources Agency announced that the number of fires had increased by 2.6 times compared to the same period in 2021,” said Konstantin Yalovoy.

According to the expert, the world must do everything to prevent the consequences of climate change.

“The course towards the transition to renewable energy sources, green technologies in production, climate modernization of all sectors of the economy should become the basis for the development of each country. The restoration of Ukraine after the end of hostilities will also be based on these principles,” Konstantin Yalovoy emphasized.