In addition to urgently repairing the image of the island to avoid further loss of tourism income, which accounts for 95 percent of its GDP, people are concerned about forest restoration, the placement of renewable energies and protection against floods. They are looking for answers, recognition, a reckoning and a clear plan Now that the imminent danger of the fires has passed, the people of Rhodes are empowered by their pride, but angry. But the sense on the ground is that it will take more than this. Expressions of gratitude from the central government and regional authority to official volunteer bodies have rightly taken place, free trips for tourists and support programs for businesses have been announced, and some answers to the “how” and “why” of the fires have been offered. They are looking for answers, recognition, a reckoning and a clear plan. In the first half of 2023 alone, the world saw $110 billion in losses stemming from natural disasters, and this does not include the impact on the environment nor the social cost. The fires further evidenced that Greece, like the entire world, is behind the curve on adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change, systems resilience and natural disaster preparation and management. And while exploits of Greek philoxenia during the fires circulated the globe through social media, so have the tales of frustration over their handling. The spirit of giving and collaboration was embraced even by stakeholders that are traditionally at odds with one another, who put their differences aside to rise to the challenge. Others kept watch, evacuated animals and people, and helped with the flow of information and resources to threatened villages. On the fire front, some assisted the trained volunteers by carrying hoses, felling trees, translating, and scouring the scorched earth to fight flare-ups. Flying in the face of negative data about the levels of civic participation and social capital in Greece, Rhodians of all ages were the indisputable game-changers leading to the safe evacuation of 20,000 tourists and defense of their villages.

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