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WWF sounds the alarm: Germany is threatened with catastrophic forest fires!
Lüneburg's current challenges: WWF warns of increasing forest fire risks due to climate change and emphasizes the need for forest policy.
WWF sounds the alarm: Germany is threatened with catastrophic forest fires!
In Germany the forests are in an alarming condition. The WWF warns urgently of an escalating risk of forest fires, which is being exacerbated by global warming and changing climate conditions. Loud evangelisch.de In 2023 alone, 1,240 hectares of forest were burned in Germany - that's 157% of the long-term average. The central factors for this development are the extremely hot and dry years of 2018, 2019 and 2022, in which over 2,000 hectares of forest burned in each case.
Brandenburg is particularly affected, where dry soils and a high proportion of highly flammable pine forests (69%) dramatically increase the risk of forest fires. But similar risks can also be identified in neighboring regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and parts of Hesse.
The call for change
The WWF is calling for a fundamental change in forest policy in order to better protect forests. Near-natural mixed deciduous forests are significantly more resistant to fires compared to pure coniferous forests. Only around 4% of forest fires have a natural origin, the majority are due to human causes such as arson or negligence.
Former military training areas pose a further problem. There, old weapons can make fighting fires considerably more difficult. Forest fire expert Michael Herrmann emphasizes the urgency of increased forest fire prevention and the development of resilient landscapes. High temperatures and dangerous weather conditions according to the 30-30-30 rule (temperatures above 30 degrees, humidity below 30%, wind speeds above 30 km/h) further increase the danger.
According to Herrmann, forest loss due to fire could be permanent, especially in times of climate change. This means not only an ecological loss, but also a failure in responsibility for future generations.
The role of the population
Forest visitors are advised to take special precautions to prevent fires. This is particularly important, especially since humans are the main cause of many fires. The exchange of protection strategies is therefore essential in order to bring about the urgently needed change in forest policy.
In summary, it can be said that nature and we as a society are required to find new approaches. At a time when not only the forests are burning, but our responsibility is also being put to the test, we cannot avoid researching new solutions and implementing them.
There are numerous initiatives and events for the general public that invite them to take an active part in protecting local forests. Everyone can do their part, be it through education, volunteer work or simply through greater awareness in dealing with nature.