Greece is turning to advanced heat-detecting satellites in a bid to improve its ability to predict and prevent devastating wildfires, as the country continues to face increasingly severe fire seasons driven by climate change.
The satellite technology is designed to detect abnormal increases in ground temperature and identify areas at high risk of ignition before fires spread. Authorities believe the system will provide early warnings, allowing emergency services to respond more quickly and reduce the damage caused by wildfires.
Greek officials said the new approach is part of a broader strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and protect communities, forests, and critical infrastructure. The satellite data will be combined with weather forecasts, wind patterns, and vegetation conditions to improve fire risk assessments.
In recent years, Greece has experienced some of the worst wildfires in its history, destroying thousands of hectares of forest, forcing mass evacuations, and causing significant economic losses. The government hopes that investing in modern technology will enhance its ability to combat future fire outbreaks.
Experts say early detection through satellite monitoring could become a vital tool in wildfire management, especially as rising temperatures and prolonged droughts continue to increase the risk of fires across southern Europe.