Is there any data on wildfire intensity? Area burned only tells a very small part of the story (especially given that wealthier countries invest a huge amount in trying to control wildfires). In more "natural" (or rather, "traditional" fire management regimes used by indigenous cultures around the world for thousands of years), we would have very large areas of low-intensity fires every year - e.g. fires that would typically not burn the canopy. Now, in North America at least, we have a large area of very high-intensity wildfires.
I came to understanding the 'new and unimaginable' nature of fire after reading "Fire Weather" by John Vaillant. All reporting and discussion I encounter suggests that the majority who make their business fire, and even those on the front lines of fighting fire haven't yet grasped how the climate disaster has created a new normal for fire.......
Is there any data on wildfire intensity? Area burned only tells a very small part of the story (especially given that wealthier countries invest a huge amount in trying to control wildfires). In more "natural" (or rather, "traditional" fire management regimes used by indigenous cultures around the world for thousands of years), we would have very large areas of low-intensity fires every year - e.g. fires that would typically not burn the canopy. Now, in North America at least, we have a large area of very high-intensity wildfires.
Thanks for this look at the data. Context is important.
Fascinating, thanks. I had no idea Africa averaged more than half of the total.
Thanks for the data.
I came to understanding the 'new and unimaginable' nature of fire after reading "Fire Weather" by John Vaillant. All reporting and discussion I encounter suggests that the majority who make their business fire, and even those on the front lines of fighting fire haven't yet grasped how the climate disaster has created a new normal for fire.......
Great writing, as always! We've included a link to this article in the latest Effective Environmentalism newsletter.
Great insights, thank you Hannah.
Are wildfires around the world linked to desertification?
Do you need access for data on Nepal? Significant wildfire seasons here the last few years.