Europe’s Wildfire Emissions Hit Record High in 2023: Urgent Need for Enhanced Climate Action Strategies

2025 Shatters Wildfire Emissions Records, Threatening Air Quality Globally

Europe and Canada experienced their highest wildfire carbon emissions on record in 2025, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), signaling a dramatic escalation in wildfire activity across the Northern Hemisphere. The data reveals a concerning trend with far-reaching consequences for air quality and public health.

European wildfires alone released just under 13 megatonnes of carbon this year, marking the highest level since records began in 2003. Canada reported its second-highest yearly emissions, with approximately 250 megatonnes of carbon released by early October.

The Iberian Peninsula bore the brunt of the European fires, fueled by persistent heatwaves, extreme dryness, and strong winds. Spain recorded its highest annual wildfire emissions in 23 years,with smoke plumes reaching as far as the UK and northwestern Europe. These fires led to dangerously high concentrations of PM2.5 – fine particulate matter – exceeding world Health Organization guidelines. The UK also experienced its highest annual wildfire emissions in over two decades, driven by notable blazes in Northern Scotland during late June and early July.

North America faced a dual challenge. Canada’s massive emissions were coupled with a major wildfire outbreak in California in January, triggered by exceptionally dry vegetation and powerful Santa Ana winds. While wildfire activity was lower than normal in Brazil and Bolivia, significant fires were also recorded in Russia, Syria, and Australia.

[Video: daily fire locations, intensity and smoke plumes around the world between 1 January and 30 November 2025 based on CAMS GFAS and organic matter aerosol optical depth forecasts.]

“What we have seen in 2025 is extreme wildfires in North America and Europe and impacts on atmospheric composition far from where the fires are burning,” stated Mark Parrington, senior scientist at CAMS. “Our global fire emissions monitoring shows extreme wildfire intensity and emissions occurring when dry conditions and high temperatures converge around the world.”

While wildfires contribute a relatively small percentage to overall global CO₂ totals, their impact extends far beyond carbon emissions. The pollutants released – including PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides – significantly degrade air quality and pose a serious threat to human health.

The CAMS data underscores the urgent need for sustained monitoring, coordinated action, and proactive strategies to anticipate, manage, and mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires on people, ecosystems, and air quality worldwide.

What specific policy changes are needed to accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources in Europe?

The Scale of the 2023 Wildfire Season

Europe experienced its worst wildfire season on record in 2023, with unprecedented levels of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. Data from the Copernicus atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) revealed that wildfires released a staggering 6.8 megatonnes of carbon in 2023 – more than double the previous record set in 2017. This surge in wildfire emissions significantly impacts air quality, public health, and accelerates climate change. The affected regions spanned from the Mediterranean to Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting the widespread vulnerability.

* Record Emissions: 6.8 megatonnes of carbon released – a 2x increase from the previous record.

* Geographic Scope: Affected countries included Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia, and others.

* Contributing Factors: Prolonged heatwaves, drought conditions, and strong winds fueled the intensity and spread of fires.

Key Drivers Behind the Increase in Wildfires

Several interconnected factors contributed to the dramatic increase in European wildfires in 2023. Understanding these drivers is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Climate Change & Rising Temperatures

The moast significant underlying cause is global warming. Rising temperatures create hotter, drier conditions, increasing the flammability of vegetation. Longer and more intense heatwaves, becoming increasingly common due to climate change, exacerbate the risk. The Mediterranean region, in particular, is warming at a rate 20% higher than the global average, making it a hotspot for wildfire risk.

Land Management practices

Historical forest management practices,including fire suppression policies,have led to a build-up of fuel loads in many forests. This creates conditions where fires, when they ignite, burn with greater intensity and are harder to control. A shift towards more proactive fuel management techniques, such as prescribed burns and thinning, is essential.

Socioeconomic Factors & Human Ignition

Human activity remains a significant cause of wildfire ignition.Carelessly discarded cigarettes,unattended campfires,and arson all contribute to the problem. Socioeconomic factors, such as rural abandonment and land-use changes, can also increase vulnerability. Improved public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations are vital.

Impacts of Wildfire Emissions

The consequences of these record wildfire emissions are far-reaching and multifaceted.

* Air Quality Degradation: Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants, leading to respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues. Major cities across Europe experienced hazardous air quality levels during peak fire activity.

* public Health Concerns: Increased hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses were reported in several affected countries. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.

* Ecosystem Damage: Wildfires destroy habitats,reduce biodiversity,and disrupt ecosystem services. The long-term ecological consequences can be severe.

* Economic Losses: Damage to property, infrastructure, and tourism industries results in significant economic losses. The cost of firefighting and recovery efforts is also substantial.

* Carbon Cycle Feedback Loop: The release of large amounts of carbon from wildfires further contributes to climate change, creating a risky feedback loop.

Enhanced Climate Action Strategies: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Addressing the escalating wildfire crisis requires a complete and coordinated response. Here are key strategies for enhancing climate action:

1. Aggressive Emissions Reductions: Rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources is paramount. Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement is crucial for limiting global warming and reducing the risk of extreme weather events.
2. Invest in Wildfire Prevention & Preparedness:

* Early Warning Systems: Developing and deploying advanced wildfire detection and monitoring systems, utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and ground-based sensors.

* Fuel Management: Implementing proactive fuel reduction strategies,