Arctic wildfires in 2024 release 100m tonnes of greenhouse gases
- Wildfires in the Arctic have released almost as much carbon dioxide as Kuwait emits annually.
- These fires are primarily caused by natural lightning strikes and have intensified due to climate change.
- The increasing severity of Arctic wildfires raises alarms among scientists regarding their impact on global emissions.
This summer, wildfires have ravaged the Arctic regions, particularly in Russia and Canada, releasing approximately 100 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These fires, often ignited by natural lightning strikes, have become increasingly severe due to climate change, with the Arctic experiencing its fourth worst year for emissions in 2024. The carbon-rich frozen soils in these areas are particularly susceptible to burning, and the flames can spread into the surrounding boreal forests. The alarming trend of extreme wildfires has raised concerns among scientists, especially as the frequency and intensity of these events have escalated in recent years. The worst recorded year for Arctic fires was 2020, followed by 2019 and 2004, indicating a troubling pattern that could have significant implications for global climate change efforts.