Wildfire costs are spiraling, so EU urges countries to invest in nature

The European Union's Environment Commissioner said on Thursday that it would push its members to invest more in environmental management, to reduce wildfire risks. Experts also stated that the cost of this summer's fires has already exceeded EUR15 billion.

AccuWeather published estimates on Thursday that extreme wildfires ravaged?France?,?Spain? and Greece? this summer. These fires caused an estimated EUR15.6 to EUR19.1billion in economic costs. This includes damage to infrastructure, property, firefighting, debris removal, and insurance claims.

Scientists confirm that global warming caused by humans is what made extreme weather conditions more likely. The speed and severity of the fires have raised concerns about the countries' environmental management. For example, clearing forests of dry and flammable vegetation and restoring wetlands which can act as firebreaks.

In an interview, EU Environment Commissioner Jessika roswall said: "Prevention is the first line?of defence... It's obvious that we have to invest more in Nature."

The investment needs of the 27 EU members vary, with Mediterranean countries being hit by wildfires in summer most often. Roswall stated that "no part of Europe is spared", and that the need for investment was "urgent".

Last year, the European Commission proposed that 35% (of the next EU budget) be spent on climate and environment measures. Environment groups criticized the plan, warning that merging both issues would result in nature funding being sidelined and instead going to low-carbon energy projects or infrastructure projects, which can often provide greater returns.

Roswall stated that Brussels would monitor whether or not countries invest in nature, and specifically fire prevention.

"It is important that the member states use these funds for wildfires. She said that the funding would be crucial for wildfire prevention and response, as well as investments in nature.

Roswall said that Brussels would also examine how wildfire prevention is incorporated into the national plans of governments to comply with EU law on restoring damaged natural resources, which must be submitted by September.

She said, "It is not a luxury because the cost will increase if we do not do that." "I am working with member states and ministers to emphasize the importance of investing in order to protect not only our homes, but our lives as well. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Kate Abnett is the reporter)

(source: Reuters)