Forests are the lungs of our planet, yet they are burning at an unprecedented and alarming rate, and in recent years, nations across the Mediterranean basin—most notably Türkiye, France, and Spain—have faced catastrophic wildfire seasons that are symptoms of an escalating global climate emergency threatening our ecosystems, biodiversity, and human lives.

Straddling a highly vulnerable climate zone, Türkiye has suffered devastating blows to its rich biodiversity along its Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, including regions like Muğla, Antalya, and İzmir, where millions of hectares of ancient forests and vital wildlife habitats have been reduced to ash.

In France, regions such as the Gironde and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur have experienced fierce, fast-moving wildfires that have forced mass evacuations, destroyed centuries-old forests, and pushed local emergency response teams to their absolute limits.

Spain remains one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, where chronic droughts and record-shattering heatwaves drive relentless infernos in areas like Andalusia, Extremadura, and Catalonia, burning hundreds of thousands of hectares annually and displacing residents.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows a dramatic surge in the frequency and intensity of mega-fires over the past decade, while Southern European wildfires alone have released tens of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accelerating the global warming that fuels them, alongside billions of Euros in damages and the permanent loss of endemic flora and fauna.

To combat this crisis, we urge decision-makers to implement critical measures without delay:

Increase funding for aerial firefighting fleets, ground resources, and advanced early-detection technology across Türkiye, France, and Spain.

Shift from a reactive firefighting strategy to a proactive prevention model through controlled burns, clearing underbrush, and restoring resilient native tree species.

Commit to aggressive emissions reductions to curb the rising global temperatures that create dry, combustible conditions.

Establish a permanent Mediterranean Wildfire Task Force to share resources, technology, and tactical expertise instantly during peak fire seasons.

Our forests cannot wait for the next heatwave, so stand with us to protect our natural heritage, secure our communities, and demand climate accountability by signing and sharing this petition today.