The wildfires in 2023-2024 caused emissions of 8.6 billion tons of CO2, 16% higher than the average, and turned 3.9 million square kilometers into ashes. Climate change has increased the probability of wildfires in the western Amazon by twentyfold.
Canada's boreal forests contributed significantly to global emissions. The fires led to evacuations, casualties, and damage to vital ecosystems.
The loss of carbon stocks from forests will have lasting implications for the Earth's climate. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and better land management are crucial to minimize the future likelihood of extreme wildfires.
Climate models project an increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires by the end of the century. Early warning systems based on weather factors alone have been developed, but forecasting fire risk is still a growing research area.