New EASAC report on Changing Wildfires is published

Over the last two years we have been working on a very interesting and topical issue in an international research group, resulting in the publication of the latest study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) entitled Changing Wildfires: Policy Options for a Fire-literate and Fire-adapted Europe. A total of 22 international researchers participated in the project, with Thomas Elmqvist as project manager and Orsolya Valkó and Cathelijne Stoof as working group leaders.

Our study warns that vegetation fires have also reached a new level in Europe. Climate change, land-use change and social factors are combining to create conditions that are making vegetation fires more frequent and destructive. In addition, the risk is increasing in regions, including central Europe, where it was not particularly prevalent before.

The full report is freely availanble at EASAC's homepage (please click here).

The EASAC press release can be read here.

The launch of our report took place in Brussels in 19 May 2025, with scientists from all over Europe, discussing their findings with EU policymakers and stakeholders across Europe. The event was webstreamed and the presentations and panel discussions can be watched here.