Global fire emissions drop while extreme wildfires rise

5 min read

Global fire emissions this year are the lowest since satellites began measuring nearly 25 years ago, about half the levels seen in the early 2000s, because Africa and Asia sharply reduced savanna and agricultural burning through changing practices and demographic shifts, Copernicus found. At the same time, North America and Europe are seeing more extreme fires in size, speed and intensity, with Spain recording its largest wildfire and U.S./Canadian burned area at least 25% above the 10-year average. Experts warn El Nino could increase tropical forest fires, and they call for more planning and adaptation.

Global fire emissions hit record lows as Africa and Asia burn less