Economic damages of wildfires: evidence and governance challenges in mediterranean Europe
File(s)
Author(s)
Haleema, Misal
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Wildfire management in Mediterranean Europe, particularly Greece is a complex “wicked problem” shaped by socio-economic, political, and climatic drivers. This thesis adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate these challenges and contribute to the literature on adaptive governance for wildfire management in Greece.
Chapter 2 examines the causal impact of wildfire exposure on institutional and social trust across Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain using data from the European Social Survey and the European Forest Fire Information System. Results show that higher wildfire exposure increases institutional and interpersonal trust, suggesting that collective experiences of crisis can reinforce social cohesion and confidence in governance.
Chapter 3 explores public preferences for a wildfire mitigation policy that shifts Greek management practices from suppression toward prevention and post-fire recovery. Using a discrete-choice experiment, it quantifies willingness-to-pay for policies incorporating fuel-load reduction, enhanced monitoring, and compensation for damages. Findings highlight strong public support for preventative and participatory strategies, underscoring the social and economic benefits of adaptive management.
Chapter 4 employs Q-methodology to analyse stakeholder perspectives in Crete, identifying four discourse groups : Holistic Managers, Anti-Status-Quo, Institutional Reformers, and Pro-Government. Despite conflicting views, shared recognition of drivers such as inadequate urban planning suggests opportunities for collaboration and conflict resolution.
Key findings indicate that wildfire experiences can strengthen institutional trust, that the public support policy reform toward prevention and adaptive strategies, and that stakeholders recognise but struggle to address entrenched institutional weaknesses. Collectively, these insights demonstrate the potential for adaptive, trust-based governance to enhance social resilience and policy effectiveness. The thesis contributes empirical and conceptual evidence to inform decision-makers seeking more democratic and cooperative approaches to wildfire governance in Mediterranean contexts.
Chapter 2 examines the causal impact of wildfire exposure on institutional and social trust across Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain using data from the European Social Survey and the European Forest Fire Information System. Results show that higher wildfire exposure increases institutional and interpersonal trust, suggesting that collective experiences of crisis can reinforce social cohesion and confidence in governance.
Chapter 3 explores public preferences for a wildfire mitigation policy that shifts Greek management practices from suppression toward prevention and post-fire recovery. Using a discrete-choice experiment, it quantifies willingness-to-pay for policies incorporating fuel-load reduction, enhanced monitoring, and compensation for damages. Findings highlight strong public support for preventative and participatory strategies, underscoring the social and economic benefits of adaptive management.
Chapter 4 employs Q-methodology to analyse stakeholder perspectives in Crete, identifying four discourse groups : Holistic Managers, Anti-Status-Quo, Institutional Reformers, and Pro-Government. Despite conflicting views, shared recognition of drivers such as inadequate urban planning suggests opportunities for collaboration and conflict resolution.
Key findings indicate that wildfire experiences can strengthen institutional trust, that the public support policy reform toward prevention and adaptive strategies, and that stakeholders recognise but struggle to address entrenched institutional weaknesses. Collectively, these insights demonstrate the potential for adaptive, trust-based governance to enhance social resilience and policy effectiveness. The thesis contributes empirical and conceptual evidence to inform decision-makers seeking more democratic and cooperative approaches to wildfire governance in Mediterranean contexts.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-07-29
Date Awarded
2025-12-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
Kountouris, Ioannis
Sponsor
The Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society
Publisher Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)