Global rise in large-scale forest fires, study warns

Large-scale forest fires have increased in frequency and severity over recent years, according to an international study by a researcher from Catalonia's Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF). 

The study analyzed 3,281 fires between 2001 and 2021 and identified 2010 as a "tipping point in the acceleration of climate change." 

It concluded that although forests typically need about four years to recover, the most vulnerable regions such as boreal forests take additional months to years to regain vegetation density, recover their top layers, and return to normal energy generation levels. 

The areas hit hardest by large-scale forest fires are the western region of North America, southeastern Australia, northern South America, southern Asia, and the central-eastern region of northern Siberia.

The study's authors called for ecological restoration and reforestation measures, pointing to an expected 14% increase in the incidence of large-scale forest fires by 2030 and up to 50% increase by the end of the century. 

Catalonia has experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons this year, with extensive damage to the southern part of the region in July.