Protection from the natural disasters the climate crisis brings is a national effort, Kikilias says

Kikilias said the interior ministry was taking action to clear bureaucratic obstacles that prevented municipalities from using funds to carry out necessary work to prepare for and prevent natural disasters.

“The protection of human life and the environment from natural disasters that the ever-growing climate crisis brings is a national effort that demands the assistance of all the ministries responsible, the bodies and security forces but also our fellow citizens,” Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said on Sunday.

Talking to SKAI television, he reported that the climate crisis ministry had already organised one government meeting of all the services and ministries involved on the fire-fighting season, while further meetings will follow with mayors and the power grid operators to coordinate prevention measures and ensure that the state mechanisms are fully ready to deal with summer fires. While some mayors had done a good job, he noted, others were not at the same standard and the focus would be on directing their attention to what needs to be done.

Kikilias said the interior ministry was taking action to clear bureaucratic obstacles that prevented municipalities from using funds to carry out necessary work to prepare for and prevent natural disasters. On the ministry’s planned legislative work, Kikilias said this would concern purchases of new fire-fighting aircraft and vehicles, protective gear for fire fighters and the hiring of personnel.