FAO: This is why forest fires are increasing in intensity and frequency

Climate change increases the exposure of forests to various stressors, such as forest fires or pests, reads a new publication of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which also draws attention to the importance of innovation in achieving sustainable forest management.

The State of the World’s Forests 2024 report on innovation in forest management for a more sustainable future was presented on the first day of the Forestry Commission meeting at the FAO headquarters in Rome. The committee is FAO’s highest-level forest-related body, which deals with the identification of the most important political and professional issues and their solutions.

According to the publication, evidence supports the claim that the exposure of forests to forest fires and pests has increased as a result of climate change.

The intensity and frequency of forest fires are also increasing – affecting previously untouched areas – which released about 6,687 megatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere last year. Even before this, boreal forest fires were responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, but in 2021 – mainly due to more serious fires due to the long drought period – these forest fires set a new record, causing a quarter of the emissions attributable to forest fires.