Forest fires in Europe lead to record-breaking greenhouse gas emissions

Forest fires across Europe have resulted in the highest level of carbon emissions ever recorded, according to satellite data from the European Union’s Copernicus monitoring network. From the start of the year until September 15, wildfires released approximately 12.9 megatons of carbon into the atmosphere, a figure that already surpasses records set in 2003 and 2017, when emissions reached 11.4 megatons. With wildfire season still ongoing, experts warn that total emissions could climb even higher before the end of the year.

Much of this year’s wildfire-related emissions have come from Portugal, accounting for roughly a third, while Spain has also been heavily affected. In August, significant fires were reported not only in Portugal and Spain, but also in Turkey, Cyprus, and several Balkan countries, making this one of the most active wildfire seasons in southeastern Europe in recent years. Since 2002, Copernicus has tracked emissions from wildfires and noted that this summer also brought unusually high levels of Saharan dust and ground-level ozone pollution across Europe.

Experts attribute the increase in wildfire frequency and emissions to the ongoing climate crisis, which has brought higher temperatures and drier conditions to many regions. Rising air temperatures contributed to ozone levels exceeding legal limits in several areas, further impacting air quality. Climate scientists and environmental advocates urge the European Union to review and strengthen its climate policies in response to these alarming trends.