A new study highlights a troubling surge in carbon emissions due to forest fires, which have risen by 60% globally since 2001.
Some of the most alarming increases occurred in northern boreal forests, where emissions nearly tripled.
The research, led by the University of East Anglia (UEA), breaks down the world into “pyromes”—areas where environmental and human factors shape fire patterns.
The study focuses on the growing threat posed by forest fires, particularly in the extratropical regions, which have now become the epicenter of rising emissions.
Fires in these regions, especially in Eurasia and North America, have seen a sharp rise, contributing to an additional half a billion metric tons of CO2 annually.
Urgent strategies are required to protect forests and combat escalating wildfire impacts on climate.This increase is largely due to fire-favorable weather like heatwaves and droughts, which are becoming more common due to rapid warming in higher latitudes.
Forests, which once acted as a crucial carbon sink, are now struggling to recover from these severe fires, putting climate goals in jeopardy.
Dr. Matthew Jones, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that rising emissions from forest fires are a direct result of climate change, urging a shift in fire management strategies.
Proactive forest management, better public awareness, and targeted interventions in high-risk areas could help mitigate future risks.
As forests play a vital role in reducing global warming, protecting them from further degradation is essential for meeting climate targets.
This study serves as a clear warning that managing forest fires must become a top priority to safeguard both the environment and human health.