BERÇEM CÛDÎ

Kobanê- The rise in extreme summer heat causes wildfires in Syria, the Middle East and many countries. These wildfires reveal the current environmental and climate crises and the threats posed by them once again.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Almaz Romî, Co-chair of the Ecology Committee in Euphrates Canton, northeastern Syria, expressed her concerns about the environment degradation and the causes and effects of climate change.

‘Humanity uses the environment and nature for its own interests’

“Human activities have disrupted the balance of nature,” said Almaz Romî. “Our nature and environment face great threats and recent events confirm this. In particular, war and conflict that have been going on for years have a direct impact on the climate. Environmental degradation has been among the most concerning worldwide problems because there is no balance in nature. Global temperature has risen steadily, causing many natural disasters. We had a balance in the world when people valued nature and the environment. However, nature and the environment have been used by hegemony for its own interests for years. Since the industrial revolution, people have damaged nature, causing natural disasters.”

‘Old-growth forests are at risk of disappearing’

Almaz Romî spoke about the increase in natural disasters and their effects on humanity. “Our planet has suffered from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and wildfires especially for 10 years which confirms how humanity's activities have damaged the environment and climate. Recently, wildfires have occurred in the world, causing the destruction of hundreds of old-growth forests. These forests are at risk of disappearing and we cannot do anything to protect them.”

Wildfires in Syria

Almaz Romî pointed to the recent wildfires in Syria and said, “Syria is known for its rich and ancient nature. Unfortunately, its nature has been plundered and destroyed due to the civil war that started in 2011. In July 2025, Syrian coastal areas, Sweida and Afrin suffered from wildfires. These three regions are known for their rich nature. I think these wildfires were started deliberately.”

‘The universe must be protected’

Almaz Romî expressed her concerns about the environment degradation and the causes and effects of climate change, calling on everyone to protect the universe. “The rise in temperature and destabilization of nature are on our agenda now. I remember the days when temperatures never exceeded 35°C in our region. However, temperatures have recently exceeded 50°C. Unfortunately, this is a serious situation showing us that we are at risk of major natural disasters. We must protect the environment and climate to prevent this chaos. Everyone must take responsibility to protect the universe, nature and the environment.”