x(1125).png?284966819 "Greece: Land Area Burned by Forest Fires, by year"){kind=logo}
| Year | Area burned by fires, in ha |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 174,773 |
| 2022 | 22,480 |
| 2021 | 130,744 |
| 2020 | 14,915 |
| 2019 | 10,736 |
| 2018 | 12,037 |
| 2017 | 20,041 |
| 2016 | 31,707 |
| 2015 | 11,613 |
| 2014 | 14,815 |
| 2013 | 19,762 |
| 2012 | 52,487 |
| 2011 | 35,713 |
| 2010 | 6,472 |
| 2009 | 42,807 |
- Region: Greece
- Time period: 2009 to 2023
- Published: Jan 2024
Data Analysis and Insights
Largest Area Burned Recorded in 2023
2023 marked a significant peak in forest fires with 174,773 hectares of land burned, the largest area recorded in the dataset. This represents a dramatic surge from the previous year.Significant Increase in Area Burned from 2022 to 2023
The transition from 2022 to 2023 saw the highest yearly increase in burned area, jumping by 152,293 hectares. This increase, a 677.46% rise from the 2022 figure, underscores a significant escalation in the severity of forest fires.Average Area Burned Over 15 Years
Over the observed 15-year period, an average of 40,073 hectares of land was burned annually by forest fires in Greece, highlighting the ongoing challenge of wildfires in the region.Notable Year Over Year Changes
Years 2011 and 2021 also witnessed significant increases in area burned compared to their preceding years, with 29,241 and 115,829 hectares added, respectively. These fluctuations indicate periods of high variability in the extent of forest fires.Trend of Increasing Severity
Analyzing the data from 2009 to 2023, a trend towards increasing severity of forest fires is apparent, especially considering the record-breaking figures in 2023. Despite yearly variations, the overall trajectory suggests growing challenges in managing and preventing forest fires in Greece.Frequently Asked Questions
What year did the largest area of forest fires occur in the dataset?
The largest area of forest fires occurred in 2023, with 174,773 hectares of land burned.
What is the average area burned by forest fires in Greece over a 15-year period?
Over 15 years, an average of 40,073 hectares of land per year has been burned by forest fires in Greece.
Terms and Definitions
Forest fires, also known as wildfires, refer to uncontrolled fires that intensely burn vegetation and forests in rural areas. They can be caused by several factors, including human activities (like arson and carelessly discarded cigarettes) and natural occurrences (like lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions).
The term 'Land Area' refers to the total surface area of a designated location covered by land. It is often measured in square kilometers (km²) or square miles (mi²). Land area does not include bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.
A burned area refers to a geographical region where an event like a fire has transpired within a specific period. It signifies the total land surface that has been affected and scorched by the fire.
Fire season refers to the annually recurring period within a year when wildfires are most likely to ignite due to environmental conditions such as dry weather, heat, and high winds.
Fire fighting is the act of extinguishing fires to prevent them from spreading and causing additional damage. In the context of a forest fire, professionals known as wildland firefighters use specialized techniques and equipment to combat these fires.
Arson refers to the criminal act of deliberately setting property, including forests and other vegetation, on fire with the intent to cause damage.
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. It has been linked to an increase in the frequency and intensity of forest fires, as it can contribute to longer and more severe fire seasons.
Deforestation refers to the mass removal or clearing of trees and vegetation in a forest, often to make way for agricultural activities, logging, or urban development. This process can increase the risk of forest fires by creating drier conditions.
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