NASA data show where fires occurred around the world in July 2024. Visible are uncontrolled vegetation fires on forested areas. Fires are a natural part of some ecosystems, as they contribute to regeneration. However, worldwide only about 4% of all fires are of natural origin.²
WILDIFIRES HAVE INCREASED IN BOTH FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY IN RECENT YEARS
Climate change significantly affects the dynamics of wildfires—rising temperatures and prolonged drought periods lead to drier vegetation that is more easily flammable. Between March 2023 and February 2024, 8.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide were released worldwide by wildfires, which is 16% more than the average of the past two decades. This development has significant impacts on the global climate. The released greenhouse gases intensify climate change, which in turn creates conditions that favor future fires. A vicious cycle emerges in which climate change and wildfires reinforce each other.³
