Global warming has brought more frequent, larger and more violent fires, which can make conditions even warmer

The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires may lead to increased warming of the Earth's surface, according to an analysis of satellite data published in Nature. The findings highlight a previously overlooked factor that could influence future climate and fire dynamics. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and larger, with some areas such as the western US and eastern Spain seeing fires that have doubled or tripled in size in recent decades. Larger wildfires typically result in greater vegetation loss, but the effects of this increase in exposed land on climate have not yet been determined. (Nature Publishing Group, more at phys.org)