The tip of the iceberg

The sprawl of loungers on Greece's beaches is the tip of the iceberg. Taking over beaches with bars and umbrellas is the extension of widespread real estate construction all along the coastline, despite it being strictly prohibited.

Disregard for the environment and public space has always been rampant and is now growing out of all proportion. Little has been done over the past several decades to protect villages, islands, urban and rural landscapes, the seas, the forests and the coasts from violations. Even archaeological and historic sites have fallen by the wayside.

We need education about the importance of protecting the environment, starting at school

The political system not only tolerates but has even encouraged such lawlessness with things like amnesties for illegal construction. Society is also to blame, as the majority of...