Wildland Fires, a Double Impact on the Planet - Environment Alert Bulletin 3

Wildland fires annually burn an area half the size of Australia and generate nearly 40% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). Their impact in terms of deforestation, climate change and loss of biodiversity is significant. The year 2003 was one of the worst in history in terms of loss of human life and damage to the environment and infrastructure. Although fires are a natural part of many ecosystems, 90% are caused by human activities.