Forest wildfires have become more frequent, destructive, and costly over the past four decades, according to a study published in the journal Science.
The analysis, which covers global data from 1980 to 2023, warns that climate change, poor land management, and urbanization in flammable areas are creating increasingly fire-prone conditions.
Mediterranean forests and urban areas: critical risk hotspots
Spain and Portugal recorded the worst damages in Europe, while North America leads in absolute costs.
The study identified that nearly half of the most damaging fires occurred in the last decade. The Mediterranean forests suffered 6.7 times more disasters than expected based on their population, and fires began affecting the edges of prosperous urban areas, exacerbating human and economic risks.
Environmental consequences: loss of biodiversity and climate setback
Wildfires turn carbon sinks into CO₂ sources, altering ecosystems and polluting the air.
- Loss of biodiversity: Destruction of habitats and disappearance of native species
- Soil degradation: Infertility, erosion, and flood risk
- Air pollution: Emission of particles and toxic gases
- Climate change: Transformation of forests into greenhouse gas emitters
- Ecosystem alteration: Disruption of natural cycles and modification of plant species
Social and economic impacts: health, infrastructure, and livelihoods
Smoke affects respiratory health and fires destroy homes, crops, and basic services.
- Loss of properties and infrastructure
- Destruction of crops and agricultural lands
- Respiratory problems and diseases aggravated by smoke
- Economic losses due to service interruptions and resource destruction
Main causes: between climate change and human action
Most fires are caused by negligence, accidents, or intentional practices.
- Poorly extinguished cigarette butts, careless campfires, and uncontrolled burns
- Droughts, heatwaves, and intense winds exacerbated by climate change
Solutions: prevention, infrastructure, and community involvement
The key is to anticipate, invest in rapid response, and strengthen citizen awareness.
- Active prevention: Land clearing, waste management, and environmental education
- Response infrastructure: More firefighters, equipment, and planning in urban-forest interface areas
- Citizen participation: Community networks for early detection and safe evacuation
Adaptation and resilience: a call for comprehensive policies
Researchers propose prescribed burns, safe shelters, and evacuation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
“Mitigation must include shelter structures and effective evacuation systems,” the authors conclude. Without these measures, fires will continue to claim lives and destroy territories.
