Study Reveals Decade-Long Warming Effects of Large Boreal Wildfires
New research highlights how large wildfires in northern forests contribute to prolonged surface warming, exacerbating climate change.
- Large wildfires in boreal forests cause the ground to remain warmer for over a decade, similar to urban heat islands.
- A study using satellite data shows that larger fires amplify surface warming more than smaller fires.
- Broadleaf trees in mixed forests help dissipate heat, mitigating long-term warming effects.
- Fire size and frequency have increased in regions like the western U.S., Canada, and eastern Spain due to climate change.
- Experts suggest planting more deciduous trees as a potential strategy to reduce fire spread and post-fire warming.
CBC 
Nature 