Severe Heatwave and Wildfire Risks in Southern Europe: A Report Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Heatwave and Wildfire Situation

Southern Europe is currently experiencing the summer’s first severe heatwave, with acute heatwaves recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Local authorities have issued warnings about the increased risk of wildfires and urged residents and tourists to take shelter. This situation highlights critical challenges related to climate action and public health, directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Country-Specific Impacts and Responses

1. Portugal

   • Two-thirds of the country was on high alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with Lisbon temperatures expected to exceed 42°C (107°F).
   • Several southern areas, including Lisbon, were under a red warning due to persistently high temperatures, as reported by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
   • Health impacts included cases of heat strokes and burns despite advisories to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
   • Firefighters were mobilized to tackle ongoing blazes, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness (SDG 9 and SDG 11).

2. Italy

   • Regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria planned to ban outdoor work during the hottest hours to protect workers, reflecting efforts towards SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 3.
   • The Italian Health Ministry issued the highest heat alert for 21 out of 27 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples.
   • Hospitals reported a 10% increase in heatstroke cases, primarily affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly, cancer patients, and homeless individuals.
   • Firefighters managed 15 wildfires on the island of Sicily, highlighting the importance of sustainable environmental management (SDG 15).

3. Greece

   • The country remained on high wildfire alert with ongoing heatwave conditions.
   • A significant wildfire south of Athens led to evacuations near the Temple of Poseidon, involving 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters.
   • Authorities evacuated 40 people and issued evacuation orders for five areas, underscoring the need for disaster risk reduction (SDG 11 and SDG 13).

4. Spain

   • Temperatures reached up to 42°C (107°F) in Seville and other southern and central regions.
   • Health alerts and safety recommendations were issued as June was projected to become the hottest month on record, emphasizing climate resilience and public health preparedness (SDG 3 and SDG 13).

5. France and Turkiye

   • Both countries experienced wildfires with heightened alert levels, demonstrating the transnational nature of climate risks and the importance of international cooperation (SDG 17).

The Urban Heat Island Effect and Climate Change

Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, particularly in urban areas where the “urban heat island” effect exacerbates temperatures. This phenomenon is critical to understanding climate vulnerability in cities and aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• A Lancet Public Health study predicts that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century if current climate policies remain unchanged.
• While cold-related deaths currently outnumber heat-related ones, rising temperatures are expected to cause a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
• Research by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) confirms that Mediterranean cities experience peaks of 37°C (100°F) or higher, intensified by urban heat islands.

Public Health and Safety Recommendations

• Authorities have advised against physical activity during the hottest hours to reduce heat-related health risks, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• Recommendations include staying hydrated and seeking shelter to protect vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
• Emergency services remain on standby near tourist hotspots to address heatstroke and other heat-related emergencies.

Conclusion: Aligning Responses with Sustainable Development Goals

The ongoing heatwave and wildfire events in Southern Europe underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation. Addressing these challenges requires:

1. Strengthening climate action policies (SDG 13) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
2. Enhancing urban planning and infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect (SDG 11).
3. Protecting public health through preparedness, early warning systems, and targeted support for vulnerable groups (SDG 3).
4. Promoting sustainable land and forest management to prevent and control wildfires (SDG 15).
5. Fostering international cooperation to share knowledge and resources for disaster risk reduction (SDG 17).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Heatwaves causing health issues such as heat strokes, dehydration, and increased emergency cases.
   • Vulnerable populations (elderly, cancer patients, homeless) are particularly affected.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urban heat island effect exacerbating heatwave impacts in cities.
   • Measures to protect urban populations from extreme heat.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Linking increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change.
   • Wildfires and extreme weather events as consequences of global warming.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Wildfires threatening forests and natural habitats in Southern Europe.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination (heat-related illnesses linked to environmental factors).
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks (heat alerts and emergency preparedness).
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and vulnerable.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management (addressing urban heat island effect).
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally (addressing wildfires).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Indicators (SDG 3)
   • Number of heatstroke and heat-related illness cases reported in hospitals and emergency departments.
   • Heat alert levels issued by health ministries and meteorological agencies.
2. Urban Environment Indicators (SDG 11)
   • Temperature measurements in urban areas, including peak temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.
   • Number of heat-related advisories and restrictions on outdoor activities.
3. Climate and Environmental Indicators (SDG 13 and 15)
   • Frequency and intensity of heatwaves recorded over time.
   • Number and scale of wildfires, including area burned and number of evacuations.
   • Temperature records such as monthly averages and extreme highs (e.g., June being the hottest month on record).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com