The Impact of Climate Change on Wildfire Dynamics and Forest Ecosystems: A Focus on the Aegean Region

Abstract. Wildfires are natural disasters that have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, climate, and human societies. While fire has historically played a key role in promoting ecosystem regeneration and maintaining biodiversity, recent decades have witnessed a significant increase in both the frequency and intensity of wildfires, largely driven by human-induced climate change. The Mediterranean region, and particularly Türkiye’s Aegean coast, has become a hotspot for wildfire activity, where rising summer temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting precipitation patterns exacerbate fire risks. In Türkiye, western provinces such as Mugla, Izmir, and Aydın experience the majority of fire incidents, influenced not only by natural factors like high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, but also by human activities, including agricultural burning, urban expansion, and negligence. The region’s diverse landscapes, comprising pine forests, oak woodlands, and fire-adapted shrublands, face increasing threats that jeopardize biodiversity, forest health, and ecological stability. This study examines the scientific principles underlying wildfire behaviour, reviews trends shaped by both environmental and anthropogenic factors, and highlights the critical role of forests in supporting ecosystem resilience and regulating local climate conditions. Developing effective fire management strategies is essential to protect natural habitats, human communities, and the broader ecological balance in these vulnerable regions.