Stunning Wildfires in Iberian Peninsula Linked to Global Warming: Research Report
In a startling turn of events, the wildfire season in the European Union is shattering records, with nearly one million hectares burned since the beginning of the year. This alarming figure is almost equivalent to the amount of land burned across the European Union so far this year, as Kosovo's land area suggests.
The wildfires in Spain and Portugal have been particularly devastating. The fires in Spain alone have burned over 380,000 hectares, nearly five times the annual average. The heatwave that lasted 16 days in Spain brought temperatures 4.6C higher than the historical long-term average, creating the perfect conditions for the fires to spread rapidly.
Researchers from various institutions, including the University of Mannheim and the European Central Bank, have linked these devastating wildfires on the Iberian Peninsula in August 2021 primarily to extreme heatwaves and drought intensified by human-induced climate change. Their findings show that these conditions, combined with strong winds, fueled large wildfires that led to widespread forest destruction and evacuations.
The World Weather Attribution group, a non-profit newsroom known for its rapid assessments of the influence of human-caused climate change on extreme weather events like heatwaves, has concluded that fire-prone conditions in the Iberian Peninsula have been made 40 times more likely by climate change.
Climate change has also been found to play a significant role in extending the wildfire season globally. The wildfire season has increased by roughly two weeks due to climate change, primarily due to enhanced availability of fuel through heat and dry conditions.
The wildfires in the European Union have emitted more CO2 than any previous year since records began in 2006. The wildfires in Spain and Portugal alone have generated 39.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, more than triple the amount emitted during the same period last year.
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the mission of the World Weather Attribution group and other similar organisations remains crucial. They strive to inform the public about climate-related issues and their impact on society, providing climate coverage free of charge and without advertising. The donations from readers play a crucial role in supporting their operations, expanding their reach, and maintaining their editorial independence.
Clair Barnes, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College London, described the size of the fires as "astonishing". In Portugal, fires have spread across more than 260,000 hectares, almost 3% of its landmass and close to three times the country's annual average.
The EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid has provided images of the wildfires in the Iberian Peninsula, offering a stark reminder of the devastating effects of climate change. As the world continues to grapple with these challenges, it is crucial to support initiatives that aim to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.
