Consequences
What about benefits
from Wildfires?
In the 18th century volcanic peaks erupted on the lush island of Lanzarote, leaving thick layers of ash and volcanic pebbles. Even though it seemed like a disaster for the farming community there, it was found that it offered the soil many benefits necessary for growing grapes.
That is why Lanzarote is famous for its wine vineyards!
Controlled fires are sometimes performed by federal or environmental agencies that mimic wildfires essential for the health of fire-adapted ecosystems.
Wildfires remove the coating of dead organic matter that cover the soil preventing the growth of smaller/ new plants, hence it allows the survival of certain parts of the ecosystem. This also promotes soil fertility as burned nutrients are easier to be absorbed back into the soil.
At about 3:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon, Kevin Marnell was hiking along Eagle Creek in the scenic Columbia Gorge, along the border between Oregon and Washington. Rainforests and grasslands have created a thriving ecosystem along both the Oregon and Washington sides, with humans living there for some 13,000 years. On the afternoon of September 2nd, Marnell heard loud banging sounds, like gunfire. He soon realized it was worse than gunfire, as thick smoke began rising nearby.
Here's a surprising twist in the tale of wildfires. Did you know that low-intensity fires can actually be good for the soil?
When a low-intensity fire sweeps through an area, it doesn't just leave ashes in its wake. It can also rev up soil fertility! By breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. This process can enrich the earth, making it more productive for future crops. It's like the soil is getting a natural boost of vitamins, making it stronger and healthier.
Did you know that from 1998 to 2017, wildfires affected 6.2 million people? That's like filling a lot of soccer stadiums!
Beyond the immediate environmental and health catastrophes, the economic fallout is colossal. A University College London study highlighted in the report draws attention to the 2018 California wildfires, a single event that inflicted a monumental $148.5 billion blow to the U.S. economy. This includes both capital losses and health-related expenses within California, tallying up to $59.9 billion.
Critical wildfires have devastated countries across the EU and the Mediterranean.
Almost 260 000 ha already burnt in the EU since January 2023. Critical fires have spread in Italy, Algeria, Tunisia and Greece, causing human casualties and massive environmental and economic damage. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has continuously monitored the blazes through the European Forest Fire Information System in the EU’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service.
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How much do forest fires contribute to CO2 emissions? - it can range from 5 % to almost 300 times that of all fossil fuels burned, depending on the area and population density.