Escalating forest fires pose a threat due to persisting drought and extreme heat, according to WWF's latest warning.
In a recent study, the environmental organization WWF has warned of the escalating forest fire risk in Germany due to the climate crisis and intensive forest management. The study, titled "Fire Compass - Forest Fires in Germany," highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to address this growing concern.
The study reveals that in 2023, approximately half of the forest fire areas in Germany were located in the federal state of Brandenburg. This surge in forest fires has been exacerbated by the climate crisis, which is causing increased drought and heat, leading to a higher risk of forest fires.
Interestingly, only around 4% of forest fires in Germany have a natural origin, with the majority being caused by arson or negligence. This statistic underscores the importance of personal responsibility in preventing forest fires. Simple actions such as avoiding open fires can significantly reduce the risk.
The WWF's recommendations for reducing the forest fire risk include:
- Protecting and restoring key ecosystems: Natural forests, wetlands, and grasslands serve as natural firebreaks and provide critical ecological services. These areas should be protected and restored to help mitigate the forest fire risk.
- Shifting to closer-to-nature forest management: Highly flammable plantations should be replaced with native, fire-resistant species to create more resilient forest landscapes.
- Reviving traditional agrosilvopastoral practices: These practices promote biodiversity and help reduce fire risk by creating diversified, mosaic landscapes.
- Reintegrating fauna species: Species that consume fire-prone vegetation can contribute to more heterogeneous and less flammable landscapes.
- Investing in early warning systems and supporting fire-smart communities: High-risk areas should be equipped with early warning systems and fire-smart communities to enhance preparedness and resilience.
The WWF also proposes the conversion of monoculture coniferous forests into mixed forests as a strategy to mitigate the forest fire risk. Mixed forests are less likely to catch fire and fires in mixed forests are less severe.
Moreover, scientific research cited by WWF stresses the importance of forest thinning strategies. These strategies, which reduce tree density, can make forests more robust and less susceptible to severe wildfires, even under extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change.
Brandenburg's sandy soils and high proportion of pine trees contribute to the quick spread of forest fires. The presence of old ammunition in former military training areas also poses a significant risk, making firefighting difficult.
Albert Wotke from WWF stated that recent heavy rainfall has not significantly reduced the forest fire risk. The dry years of 2018, 2019, and 2022 have caused the forest fire risk to reach record levels. The WWF study predicts that forest fires in Germany are likely to continue to escalate due to the climate crisis.
In 2023, 1240 hectares of forest were burned in Germany, which is 157% of the long-term average. The increase in forest fires poses a significant threat to Germany's forests and biodiversity.
The WWF's call for ambitious climate protection measures to reduce heat waves and drought phases further emphasizes the need for comprehensive action to address the escalating forest fire risk in Germany.
[1] Source for forest thinning strategies: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341246381_Forest_thinning_strategies_to_reduce_the_risk_of_severe_wildfires_in_Europe [2] Source for mixed forests being less susceptible to fire: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092180091930427X [3] Source for the importance of native, fire-resistant species: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308527719303365
- The Commission, in light of the WWF's study on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation and the concerns about climate change, might consider incorporating environmental science policies and legislation to promote safer forest management practices, especially in high-risk regions such as Brandenburg.
- As the climate crisis exacerbates the forest fire risk in Germany, it is imperative for policy-and-legislation makers to consult with the scientific community and make evidence-based decisions, such as implementing forest thinning strategies, proposed in studies like the one published by ResearchGate.
- In the context of the escalating forest fire risk due to climate change and the political uncertainties surrounding forest management policies, General News outlets and political pundits alike should prioritize covering this pressing environmental issue and advocating for urgent action from governments and the private sector.
