As Southern European countries face increasingly hot summers and higher threats of wildfires, governments and tourism ministries are struggling to respond. A recent heatwave in Greece has resulted in the deaths and disappearances of several tourists, prompting the closure of popular tourist attractions such as the Acropolis. Meteorologists can predict heatwaves up to five weeks in advance, but most cities lack strategies to prepare for these events. The World Meteorological Organization has reported an increasing trend of extreme heat events in Europe since 2000, with significant impacts on public health.
Despite the predictability of heatwaves and the availability of data on climate change impacts, European governments are not adequately prepared to address these challenges. Policy experts note that countries are primarily responding to emergency situations rather than implementing long-term plans. Issues such as lack of information for tourists and insufficient emergency planning measures are widespread across the region. While countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are focusing on data collection, efforts to install climate shelters in cities like Barcelona and emergency plans in Madrid are limited.
The impact of high temperatures on Greece’s tourism industry is a pressing concern, particularly for key inbound markets such as France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which are sensitive to climate change effects. Despite recent news of heat-related fatalities, Greece’s tourism numbers have remained consistent. The potential for a longer wildfire season due to the early heatwave in Greece poses a significant threat. Last year, wildfires in Greek islands and mainland areas caused significant damage, with experts warning that this year could be worse. High temperatures dry out the soil and vegetation, creating favorable conditions for fires to ignite and spread, leading to more intense and larger fires earlier in the season.
The lack of preparedness for extreme heat events and wildfires in Southern European cities such as Athens and Madrid highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate climate-related disasters in the future. European authorities must develop long-term strategies to address the impacts of climate change on tourism, public health, and infrastructure. Information dissemination and emergency planning are crucial components of effective response strategies, as seen in initiatives like installing climate shelters in Barcelona. The challenge now lies in ensuring that governments across Europe prioritize climate resilience and take coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities and industries from the escalating climate threats.
