Michail Chalaris

An increase in the frequency of wildfire occurrence is predicted in all climate model estimates, implying significant health impacts, due to the emission of combustion products. Application of pollutant dispersion models at strategic and operational levels is imperative for safety reasons and for compliance with European Civil Protection Mechanism policies. Here, we describe the dispersion of smoke from the forest fire of Penteli-Attica (Greece) on 19 July 2022, which burnt a total area of 2781.7 hectares. High-resolution dispersion simulations, air-quality measurements, and remote sensing observations are used to describe the transport of smoke and facilitate effective smoke control in areas where air quality impacts are likely to be significant.

Access to resources that is equitable and sustainable provides a critical foundation for community harmony and development. Both natural and human-induced disasters present major risks to sustainable development trajectories and require strategic management within regional and local plans. Climate change and its impacts, including intensified storms, flash floods, and other water-based disasters (WD), also pose a serious and increasing threat. Small, remote communities prone to weather extremes are particularly vulnerable as they often lack effective early warning systems and experience energy insufficiency. Humanitarian engineering provides a transdisciplinary approach to these issues, supporting practical development resources such as renewable energy, which can also be adapted for disaster response. This study details an exploratory investigation of community vulnerability and capability mapping (VCM) that identifies communities with high WD risk and limited response capability which may benefit from risk reduction engagement and program co-development. By presenting criteria appropriate for VCM, we highlight the anthropocentric characteristics that could potentially be incorporated within community-led action as part of a comprehensive scheme that promotes sustainable development.