In 2023 alone, wildfires have ravaged vast swathes of land, from the Mediterranean to the Americas, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
This Summer, Greece faced an unprecedented wildfire crisis.
Record-breaking heatwaves, coupled with high winds, created a perfect storm for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly across the country’s islands, including Rhodes and Corfu.
The situation became so dire that sea evacuations were initiated, marking a new level of urgency.
These events in Greece serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address these interconnected issues.
In this article we explore the intricate link between these devastating wildfires, the escalating climate crisis, and the role of businesses in exacerbating these disasters.
The reasons behind the surge are complex and multifaceted, but a key driver is the ongoing climate crisis. Rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.
The climate crisis is a significant factor in the increasing prevalence and intensity of wildfires.
Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, have led to drier conditions that make forests and grasslands more susceptible to fire.
The melting of permafrost in colder regions has exposed previously frozen peatlands to burning, leading to massive fires that can smoulder for months.
Where do businesses fit into the picture/solution?
Businesses are contributing to climate change through their use of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and production processes.
This link is particularly relevant for businesses in the energy sector, such as oil, gas, and coal companies, as well as heavy industries and transportation companies that are significant emitters of greenhouse gases.
It is also important to emphasise, that businesses are contributing indirectly through their infrastructure and supply chains.
Climate change, in turn, creates hotter, drier conditions that can increase the risk and intensity of wildfires.
The way forward
1) Recovery
Wildfires can have significant economic impacts on businesses, including property and equipment damage, business interruption, and increased insurance costs.
These costs can be particularly high for businesses located in wildfire-prone areas or those with supply chains that are vulnerable to wildfires.
2) Prevention
Perpetual cycles of recovery are not sustainable. We must act to mitigate the climate crisis now. Businesses are at the core of the solution. Collectively they have the power to make transformative progress. Conversely, failure to act will mean that the burden of intensified crisis will be shared and inescapable.
Take action today. ClearVUE.Business partners with businesses to allow for transparent, simplified and strategic management of energy services.
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