Wildfires are happening frequently and the effects have been devastating. As temperatures continuously increase and surrounding environments become dry, climate change is forming an ideal condition for wildfires to start. Carbon dioxide, one of the major gasses responsible for global warming, is trapped in trees and soil. As fires burn down the trees and land, the trapped gasses are released, warming the climate even more.

Deforestation is already a major problem, not only caused by wildfires but also by logging, intentional fires, and agricultural use. As wildfires happen more often, the numbers of trees lost are staggering. Not only are we losing the trees themselves, but animals lose their habitat, a source of food, a source of oxygen and filtering carbon dioxide, and environmental protection. 

Wildfire in Siberia, Russia

Globally, wildfires have destroyed 9.3 million hectares (23 million acres). Every year, wildfires rage throughout Russia, but they have been particularly catastrophic in recent years. A fire in Russia in 2021 destroyed 5 million hectares, making it one of the worst fires of the year. The smoke from the fire was not only the first to reach the North Pole, but it is also currently said to be the greatest wildfire in history.

Even though woods in northern nations, such as Russia and Canada, are more prone to flames, other countries have seen many wildfires. This demonstrates that global warming is becoming a big concern and that wildfires are growing more common all across the planet. This year, Korea witnessed a wildfire that affected almost 6000 hectares (14800 acres) in the town of Uljin. Even though there were no initial reports of injuries or deaths, the wildfire wreaked havoc by burning houses and structures and threatening a nuclear power plant facility.

Extreme fire rates are growing dramatically as global warming worsens. According to experts, rather than only fighting fires, greater efforts should be made to prevent them from beginning in the first place. Solutions are being adopted in numerous countries with the help of experts and the UN. As world leaders agreed to battle deforestation, optimism for effective change grows.

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