Latest news with #andForestry
The Sun
a day ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Turkey wildfires rage amid heatwave and strong winds
ISTANBUL: Firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across Turkey as the country endures an intense heatwave, officials confirmed. The blazes, fueled by strong winds, have claimed at least 14 lives and forced the evacuation of 19 villages. Over 3,500 people have been displaced as flames spread near Bursa, Karabük, and Kahramanmaras. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated, 'Five fires have been brought under control in four provinces,' but efforts remain hindered by gusty conditions. Temperatures soared past 40°C last week, with Silopi near the Iraqi-Syrian border recording a historic 50.5°C. Yumakli admitted, 'Given the size and intensity of the fires, the state's ability to respond quickly to such disasters is sometimes limited.' A firefighter died of a heart attack on Saturday, while three others perished in a water tanker accident Sunday. Last Wednesday, 10 forest workers and rescuers lost their lives near Eskisehir. – AFP
Rudaw Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Ten dead in western Turkey wildfires
Also in Turkey DEM Party rebukes call by Erdogan's ally to dissolve Erdogan commends Ocalan's support for peace process Erdogan will not seek Turkey-Iraq oil export deal renewal: Gazette PKK says no more disarmament until Ankara enacts reforms A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least ten forest workers were killed on Wednesday while fighting forest fires in western Turkey's Eskisehir province, authorities said. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said that five forestry workers and five rescuers were killed after being 'unfortunately trapped in the fire when a sudden change in wind fanned the flames toward them.' 'The very high temperatures, high winds, and low humidity have made this no longer a simple forest fire. We have lost 10 of our dear brothers and sisters. I have nothing more to say. My condolences to our nation,' he added. At least 11 'major' forest fires, including nine that broke out on Wednesday, are currently being battled by Turkish authorities and forestry workers, according to the minister. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences to the families of the victims. 'I pray for God's mercy upon our brothers and sisters who are fighting at the expense of their lives to protect our forests, and offer my condolences to their families and our nation,' Erdogan said. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc later announced that an investigation has been launched into the deadly incident. Turkey has been hit by a flurry of wildfires recently, which are commonplace in summertime.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts warn that crucial farming sector could face tough year ahead: 'Nearly 70% of farmers affected'
Australian dairy farmers and consumers may be in for a rough rest of the year, as extreme weather conditions pose risks to livestock and production, while operating costs could cut into profits. Dairy Australia's Mid-Year Situation and Outlook report could spell bad news for dairy producers and the customers they serve. Extreme weather conditions projected over the remainder of 2025 are reportedly set to impact animals and reduce dairy yields. Meanwhile, increased operating costs and potential tariffs could have a significant impact on profits and trade. According to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, the country "exports approximately 30 per cent of its milk production." This could be a case where climate-related issues end up intersecting with political matters to jeopardize industry functions, consumer access, and market dynamics. Even with trade uncertainty and expensive overhead, experts like Dairy Australia's analysis and insights manager, Eliza Redfern, insist that rising temperatures and their intensifying effects are a prime worry. As Redfern explained to Dairy News Australia, "climate remains the greatest concern, with nearly 70% of farmers affected by extreme weather." Farmers around the world are struggling to adapt to the rapid heating of the planet and the extreme weather events that result. Droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires can leave animals, plants, and soil systems parched. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cold snaps can rot roots and delay fruiting. If global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect significant threats to the food supply. Some crops — like wheat, rice, and corn — may be too difficult to grow at all. Coffee, olive oil, and champagne are already seeing related production challenges. And crop loss isn't just bad for business — it can be deadly. More than a billion people, many of them children, are currently facing food insecurity, suffering from malnutrition, or at risk of starvation. With less food, more people will go hungry. Farmers and researchers are studying sustainable farming strategies to shore up crop resilience, many of them drawing on Indigenous knowledge. Improving water management and irrigation while boosting crop resistance to drought, pests, and frost could strengthen global food systems. In the long term, it will take a large-scale reduction of heat-trapping pollution to avoid reaching the point of no return. But with an assortment of zero-emission power sources, we already have more than one lever to pull to make a mass transition to clean energy. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
High winds hamper fight against wildfire in west Turkey
ANKARA: Firefighters in western Turkey were on Monday battling high winds to try and control a large forest fire raging in a coastal area of the Izmir province, a minister said. The fire began around midday on Sunday in the Seferihisar district, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of the resort city of Izmir, fuelled by high winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (75 miles per hour). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Around 20 homes, which had been evacuated as a precaution, were gutted by the blaze, with only the walls left standing, footage from the private NTV channel showed. "The wind intensity has decreased but it could pick up. It reached 65 kph overnight which made the work difficult but at daybreak the aerial firefighting teams resumed their work," Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli told reporters. He said more than 1,000 people had been drafted in to fight the blaze alongside four planes, 14 helicopters and 106 firetrucks. Four villages and two neighbourhoods had been evacuated as a precaution, and 21 people had sustained light injuries from smoke or other fire-related reasons. Yumakli said firefighters had been battling 77 fires which erupted on Sunday, fuelled by "very intense winds" which had grounded aerial firefighting teams in the Izmir region due to "the risk of crashing". Of that number, only a third were in forested areas, he said. Since June 1, firefighters across Turkey had battled 1,459 fires, of which 569 in forested areas and 890 elsewhere, the minister said. Izmir airport, which temporarily suspended flights on Sunday, resumed operations, Turkish media reported.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Island Countries Endorse 'Growing The Pacific 2050' Strategy, Advancing Resilient And Inclusive Agrifood Systems
31/05/2025 Nuku'alofa, Tonga - Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry today at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region's collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change. 'Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,' said Dr Halavatau. 'Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.' FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO's support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production. 'Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,' said Qu. 'By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.' SPC's Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific. 'Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,' he said. 'Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities,' added Vivili. The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region. Hosted by the Government of Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific. The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories. FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
