Protecting Forests in a Warming World

The Growing Threat of Wildfires and Strategies to Combat Them

France is currently facing one of the most significant wildfires in recent decades, with the blaze now spanning an area larger than Paris. This crisis is part of a global pattern where wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. As temperatures rise and droughts become more common, the risk of forest fires is increasing, raising concerns about how to mitigate these dangers.

Wildfires are not limited to France; Spain and Portugal are also experiencing similar challenges. These fires often have human causes, such as intentional land clearing for agriculture or accidental ignition from discarded items like glass bottles, cigarette butts, or hot car exhaust pipes. However, the underlying driver of many of these fires is global heating, which is largely attributed to greenhouse gas emissions. This warming trend creates drier conditions that make forests more susceptible to burning.

According to Albert Wodtke, a forest expert at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), climate change has led to increasingly hotter and drier conditions worldwide, significantly elevating the risk of wildfires. Between 2001 and 2024, wildfires have destroyed 152 million hectares of trees, accounting for a third of all tree loss globally during that time. Projections indicate that extreme wildfires will increase by approximately 14% by 2030 and 30% by 2050, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

As more regions face prolonged heat and drought, even areas that were once too humid to support wildfires are now at risk. Rainforests in the Amazon and Indonesia, for example, are increasingly vulnerable to fire. Wodtke emphasizes that while prevention efforts are crucial, humanity must also adapt to this new reality.

Natural Forests as Fire Protection

Healthy forests can serve as a natural defense against wildfires. Sven Selbert, responsible for forest conservation at the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), highlights that deciduous forests in Central Europe are particularly effective at resisting fire. These forests are cool, shaded, and naturally resilient due to their dense canopy, which limits the amount of light reaching the ground and suppresses undergrowth. Their leaves are also less flammable compared to coniferous species, which contain high levels of resin and are more prone to catching fire.

In contrast, pine forests often have grass growing on the forest floor, which acts as highly flammable tinder when dry. When planted in monocultures, these trees allow fires to spread rapidly. However, some native species, like the pines on the Canary Islands, have evolved to withstand regular fires and volcanic eruptions. Their thick bark provides protection, allowing new growth to emerge after a fire.

In the Mediterranean, the introduction of non-native eucalyptus trees has increased fire risk. These fast-growing trees extract large amounts of water from the soil and are rich in oils, making them highly flammable. Historically, the region's native vegetation—such as holm oaks, cork oaks, and olive trees—was better adapted to drought and fire. However, much of this original ecosystem has been lost due to human activity.

Enhancing Fire Resistance in Forests

Rehabilitating natural forests is one of the most effective ways to improve fire resistance, although it is a slow process. It can take up to 90 years for a beech tree to reach a diameter of 60 centimeters and a height of 25 meters. In the short term, reducing fuel loads in forests is essential. Lindon Pronto, a forest fire management expert, suggests using mechanical mowing, animal grazing, or controlled burns to remove flammable materials from the forest floor.

Controlled burns, a practice historically used by Indigenous peoples in North America and Australia, can help reduce the buildup of combustible material. Similarly, creating firebreaks—areas free of vegetation—can slow or stop the spread of wildfires. These breaks can be created by clearing land or using water to make it harder for flames to cross. Roads and rivers can also serve as natural firebreaks if they are kept free of flammable debris.

Tactical backfires, which burn toward an existing fire to consume available fuel, can also be effective under the right wind conditions. Green firebreaks made of native deciduous trees can be planted around populated areas to provide additional protection. Removing highly flammable plants from towns and villages is another critical step in reducing fire risk.

Early Detection and Rapid Response

Early detection is crucial in combating wildfires. In some German states, fire surveillance cameras are installed on cell phone towers, water towers, or old fire watchtowers. These cameras rotate and capture images for remote evaluation, allowing for quick response times. However, successful firefighting also depends on preparedness, including the availability of water sources and access routes to lakes.

Firefighting aircraft and helicopters must be ready in high-risk areas, and wells should be dug to ensure water is available for firefighting efforts. In a world where wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, proactive measures such as improved forest management and early warning systems are essential to minimizing damage.