“Climate change is increasingly threatening both urban and rural communities in Portugal. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are intensifying droughts and water stress, increasing the risk of desertification and biodiversity loss. The loss of Portuguese ecosystems as a result of climate change is further exacerbated by recurring wildfires, which are intensified by increasing heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events. This acts as an accelerator that threatens the well-being of our communities and the stability of our economy. When a country’s habitats are at risk, its entire future is at stake.”
– João Dinis, Climate Protection Officer, Cascais, Portugal (2025)
WILDFIRES – AN INCREASINGLY THREATENING REALITY
Since 2020, fires in Portugal have become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. At the same time, the wildfire season is starting earlier each year—a trend closely linked to the climate crisis and changing climatic conditions.
In addition to climatic factors, human activity also contributes to the escalation. Portugal’s forests are in many places dominated by monocultures such as eucalyptus, a fast-growing but highly flammable tree species. Land management is often neglected, and there are repeated cases of negligent behavior or deliberate arson.
Portugal is the European country most affected by wildfires. On average, there are around 17,000 fires per year. Each year, an average of 120,000 hectares burn (equivalent to roughly five times the size of Frankfurt).³
