European Wildfires Reached Unprecedented Levels Last Year

Wildfires in Portugal contributed to half of the total European emissions during a period of extreme thermal stress. Last summer, Portugal recorded an accumulated burned area of 265,139 hectares. Some regions experienced more than six days of extreme thermal stress. The report noted that the highest annual gas emissions in 23 years were reached during the first week of summer fires. The country recorded 265,139 hectares of accumulated burned area by the end of August. A new report from the Copernicus climate service indicates that Europe experienced more wildfires last year than ever before. The report notes that the previous year was characterized by hot and dry conditions across the continent. These conditions directly contributed to the increased frequency and scale of natural fires.