Current:Home > NewsThis is where record-breaking wildfires have been occurring all over the world -GrowthProspect
This is where record-breaking wildfires have been occurring all over the world
View
Date:2025-04-12 22:06:27
Boreal forests in regions all over the world have been experiencing the worst wildfires in recorded history in 2023, according to new research.
Record-breaking wildfires have been especially scorching boreal forests across the Northern Hemisphere this year, according to a report released Wednesday by Copernicus, the European Union's climate change service.
MORE: Environmental impacts of Maui wildfires will last for years to come, experts say
In Canada, which broke the record in late June for wildfire smoke emissions released in a single year, wildfires began raging in May, long before the start of the fire season, and are still burning with fervor.
The total wildfire emissions for 2023 is estimated to be almost 410 megatonnes, the highest on record for Canada by a wide margin, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service dataset, which provides information on the location, intensity, and estimated emission of wildfires around the world. The previous annual record was set in 2014 at 138 megatonnes of carbon.
At this point, Canada wildfire emissions represent 27% of the total global wildfire carbon emission for 2023, the report states.
MORE:Greece warns of 'arsonist scum' amid deadly wildfires
More than 42 million acres have burned across Canada so far this year, more than doubling the previous record, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. As of Wednesday, the acreage burned is more than 600% higher than the current year-to-date average.
Canada's record-breaking and devastating wildfire season severely impacted air quality not only in Canada but other regions of North America. Some locations in the Northeast recorded their worst air quality in decades, and the wildfire smoke extended as far down as the Southeast U.S.
The severity of the wildfires can partly be attributed to warming temperatures all over the globe, CAMS senior scientist Mark Parrington said in a statement.
"As temperatures keep increasing and dry conditions become more long-term, the chances of experiencing devastating wildfires like those in Canada are increasing," Parrington said.
MORE: Canada breaks record for annual wildfire smoke emissions
Elsewhere in the world, significant wildfires also impacted Russia's boreal forests, while devastating wildfires were also experienced in Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Maui, Hawaii.
veryGood! (43)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Abortion debate has dominated this election year. Here are Tuesday’s races to watch
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, Nov. 5, 2023
- A new survey of wealthy nations finds favorable views rising for the US while declining for China
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- In the Florida Everglades, a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hotspot
- Inspired by online dating, AI tool for adoption matchmaking falls short for vulnerable foster kids
- Florida's uneasy future with Billy Napier puts them at the top of the Week 10 Misery Index
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Savannah Chrisley Shows How Romance With Robert Shiver Just Works With PDA Photos
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Avengers Stuntman Taraja Ramsess Dead at 41 After Fatal Halloween Car Crash With His Kids
- Bengals vs. Bills Sunday Night Football highlights: Cincinnati gets fourth straight win
- Michigan mayoral races could affect Democrats’ control of state government
- Average rate on 30
- Trial opens for ex-top Baltimore prosecutor charged with perjury tied to property purchases
- If Trump wins, more voters foresee better finances, staying out of war — CBS News poll
- Man arrested in slaying of woman found decapitated in Northern California home, police say
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
QB changes ahead? 12 NFL teams that could be on track for new starters in 2024
MTV EMAs 2023 Winners: Taylor Swift, Jung Kook and More
Too Dark & Cold to Exercise Outside? Try These Indoor Workout Finds
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Ariana Madix reacts to ex Tom Sandoval getting booed at BravoCon: 'It's to be expected'
Baltimore Catholic church to close after longtime pastor suspended over sexual harassment settlement
AP survey finds 55 of 69 schools in major college football now sell alcohol at stadiums on game day