Global wildfire report shows climate change is increasing extreme fire seasons
Iain Hoey
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Global wildfire patterns shift due to climate change
A recent report published by Matthew W. Jones et al. via Earth System Science Data shows that global wildfires are increasingly driven by climate change.
From March 2023 to February 2024, 3.9 million square kilometres burned globally.
This is slightly below the average from previous seasons, but fire carbon emissions rose by 16% compared to earlier years.
Notable events include record-breaking fires in Canada and Greece, deadly wildfires in Hawaii and Chile, and drought-driven fires in Amazonia and northern South America.
The report revealed that anthropogenic climate change has increased the likelihood of extreme fire seasons.
In Canada, fire emissions reached nine times the average, driven by a combination of high fire weather and dry fuels.
Similar patterns were observed in Greece and Amazonia, where fires were exacerbated by long-term droughts and climate change.
North America hit by record-breaking fire season
In North America, the fire season was marked by extreme conditions, particularly in Canada, where over 150,000 square kilometres burned.
Emissions from Canadian boreal forests were nine times higher than average, and more than 232,000 people were evacuated due to the fires.
The fires also caused a significant degradation in air quality, with residents in the United States and Canada exposed to unsafe levels of particulate matter for extended periods.
Meanwhile, in the United States, wildfires were less widespread but still deadly.
The Lahaina fire in Maui, Hawaii, claimed 100 lives and displaced 10,000 people.
Texas experienced its largest-ever wildfire, which destroyed over 130 homes.
South America faces widespread fires amidst drought conditions
South America experienced widespread wildfires, particularly in the northwest, driven by drought and high fire weather.
In Brazil’s Amazonas state, record fire counts were observed, severely affecting air quality in cities like Manaus.
Neighbouring countries, including Bolivia, Venezuela, and Peru, also saw higher-than-average fire counts.
In Chile, deadly fires in ValparaÃso led to the deaths of 131 people and widespread damage.
These fires were driven by persistent dry conditions, which created ideal conditions for large and fast-spreading wildfires.
Future risks and climate change projections
The report warns that if global climate policies do not reduce emissions, future wildfire seasons could see even more extreme events.
In Canada, fire events similar to those in 2023 are predicted to occur six to 10 times more frequently by the end of the century under a high-emission scenario.
The likelihood of extreme fires in the Amazon is expected to increase by up to 50% by 2090, with similar risks in Greece and other parts of Europe.
The report highlights that significant climate change mitigation efforts are required to reduce these risks and prevent the escalation of wildfires globally.
Global wildfire report shows climate change is increasing extreme fire seasons: Summary
The 2023–2024 State of Wildfires report reveals that climate change is causing more frequent and intense wildfires worldwide.
During this period, 3.9 million square kilometres burned globally, with carbon emissions 16% higher than the average.
The most extreme fires occurred in Canada, Greece, Hawaii, and the Amazon.
Anthropogenic climate change has been linked to a significant increase in the probability of these events.
The report warns of future risks if global emissions are not reduced, projecting more frequent extreme fire seasons in the future.
Effective climate mitigation efforts are seen as critical to reducing these risks.