Recent research published in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals a worrisome trend: large wildfires have drastically reduced the global forest recovery capacity. 🏞️ Led by experts from Beijing Normal University, the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona, the study analyzed 3,281 wildfire events worldwide.
The findings are striking—fewer than one-third of affected forests regenerate within seven years after a fire. Since 2010, wildfire severity has surged by 42.9% in arid regions and 54.3% in boreal zones, with North America's western regions, northern-central Siberia, and southeastern Australia feeling the impact the most.
Researchers warn that the diminished resilience in post-fire recovery may trigger catastrophic losses in biodiversity, biological resources, and carbon sinks, drastically disrupting global carbon cycling. With climate extremes like heatwaves and droughts on the rise, natural recovery processes are struggling to keep pace. 🌍🔥
Experts call for systematic international interventions during critical recovery phases, including scientifically planned reforestation and ecological restoration projects. This study serves as a wake-up call—our forests are more vulnerable than ever, and proactive actions are essential to protect our planet's green lungs.
Reference(s):
Wildfires slash global forest recovery capacity, study warns
cgtn.com
