2024 Declared Hottest Year in 145 Years, Says Türkiye’s Agriculture Minister
Turkey wildfires
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that 2024 is the hottest year in the past 145 years, emphasizing the growing climate-related threats, particularly the increased risk of wildfires. Speaking at an event in Sarnıç, Gaziemir district of İzmir, as part of the national “Orman Benim” (The Forest Is Mine) awareness campaign, Yumaklı highlighted the urgent need for preventative action and public awareness.
“Forest Fires Are a Direct Result of Soaring Temperatures,” Minister Warns
Yumaklı noted that Türkiye’s forests are under mounting pressure from climate change, with rising temperatures, lower humidity, and strong winds combining to create ideal wildfire conditions.
“If the air is hot, humidity is low, and wind is present, the only thing not to do is light a fire—because fire needs very little to ignite,” he warned.
He added that the last 9 years have been the hottest since 1880, with July 23, 2024 recorded as the hottest day in 145 years. According to meteorological data, 2024 not only broke global temperature records but has also placed Türkiye at very high wildfire risk for the current year.
7.5 Billion Trees Planted, But Forests Still at Risk
Highlighting reforestation efforts, Yumaklı said the General Directorate of Forestry has planted 7.5 billion seeds and saplings in the last 22 years, strengthening Türkiye’s forest cover. However, he stressed that these efforts are not enough to prevent climate threats unless public behavior and awareness improve.
He thanked citizens for their support of the “Orman Benim” initiative, which aims to reduce human-caused fires through community involvement and education across all 81 provinces.