Forest fires and global warming have created a dangerous relationship. The link between these two forces has become clear in recent years. As the climate becomes warmer forests will become drier, spawning the perfect environment for fires. And as forest fires continue and gain intensity the trees release more carbon into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect and therefore causing global warming.
The boreal forests in particular are feeling the effects of this process. Fires are a natural part of their life cycle, pieces of bark and other material from these trees take long amounts of time to decompose. These scraps build up on the forest floor and are extremely flammable. As wildfire tears through these forests the heat releases mineral nutrients from these scraps and creates prime conditions for the seeds to begin growing. But as the climate becomes warmer this process could be disrupted. According to the Sierra Club Fact Sheet of 1996, "a recent study that looked at fires and pest outbreaks in Canadian forests found a two-fold increase in natural disturbances since 1970". The forest floors will become more susceptible to fires and the amount of forested area burned will increase. This change can also be damaging to the nearby towns or cities. " [extra fires] can severely affect communities that depend on the forests by removing timber that might otherwise run the local economy" said Roger Suffling a Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo.
This increase in forest fires, can now be seen as a contributor to global warming. Trees, in the carbon cycle, are labeled a "sink" or a store for carbon. The ability of trees to store carbon dioxide has helped to reduce the amount of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere. But, now that more trees are being burned through increased forest fires this stored carbon is being released and the, "CO2 becomes part of the greenhouse gases that drive the greenhouse effect. So we believe that extra fires intensify global warming" stated Suffling. Furthermore, carbon is released in the decomposition of the trees after the fire. " There is no doubt that global warming and forest fires are linked to rising temperatures." said Laura Mehnert a first year student.
Global warming is a process which has been occurring for years. Forest fires have also been recorded for years, but as mentioned they are a natural process. Therefore it would be reasonable to attack global warming first. Much work has been done already to solve this problem already. Plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol have been in place for years, but have shown little results. According to Suffling, "the solutions start at home." People must realize that most of their day to day activities contribute to climate change. But, reducing what is called a "carbon footprint" isn't difficult. It can be as easy as changing travel methods, instead of driving to school or work everyday, bike or walk. Or as easy as buying an energy efficient appliance, or switching the lights off in rooms which aren't being used.
"Leadership from ordinary people," said Suffling. Is what it will take to fight against global warming. People must educate each other on these harmful effects and make them known. But, this process will continue to damage forests around the world unless something is done to reduce the affects of global warming.
Joel Wittnebel - Currently a journalism student at Wilfrid Laurier University, I am looking to gain some experience in the field of writing.
