Emissions from Canada's 2023 wildfires higher than all but 3 countries: Study
Last year’s Canadian wildfires, which blanketed much of the eastern U.S. in smog, released more carbon emissions than all but three countries worldwide, according to research published Wednesday.
Not only did the fires burn nearly 4 percent of the country’s forests, but they also generated 647 million metric tons in carbon emissions, quadruple that of the emissions from fossil fuel consumption the same year.
The study, published in the journal Nature, found that only China, the U.S. and India produced more carbon emissions than the fires in 2023. Those three countries are the three leaders in carbon emissions worldwide. Canada is the No. 10 emitter, producing just under 2 percent of worldwide emissions.
Large boreal forests like those affected by the Canadian fires have long been considered a major carbon sink, or a location that absorbs more carbon than it emits, but the data in the study suggests that if a fire is big enough, the forests may not reliably absorb the damage. Canada is the site of nearly 9 percent of forestland worldwide.
Last year was also the hottest year on record worldwide, creating conditions like extreme heat, early snow melt and dry conditions that made it easier for forest fires to rage out of control in the first place, potentially contributing to a feedback loop, the study noted.
“Climate models project that the temperatures of 2023 will become normal by the 2050s. Such changes are likely to increase fire activity, risking the carbon uptake potential of Canadian forests,” the study authors wrote. “This will impact allowable emissions for reaching warming targets, as reduced carbon sequestration by ecosystems must be compensated for by adjusting anthropogenic emissions reductions.”
The results are more ominous than those reached by the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service in December, which used different methodologies to estimate the fires generated about 480 megatons’ worth of emissions.
Date: |
-
ESPN - Sports
How sympathy for FSU turned on a dime, Alabama dominated in Big Ten country and Week 3 trends
College football has proven it doesn't care about fairness, and it has one heck of a sense of humor.6 hours ago -
ABC News - Top stories
Cooler weather in Southern California helps in wildfire battle
Cooler weather is helping firefighters make progress against three Southern California wildfires12 hours ago - California -
Financial Times - Business
Bank of Canada governor raises prospect of big cuts as growth fears mount
Tiff Macklem signals central bank will step up pace of rate reductions should economic conditions worsen6 hours ago -
ABC News - World
Air Canada and pilots union reach a tentative agreement to avoid a shutdown
Air Canada and the union representing its pilots have come to terms on a labor agreement that is likely to prevent a shutdown of Canada’s largest airline1 hour ago -
ABC News - Top stories
California Wildfires updates: Firefighters score success in containment battle
Firefighting teams in southern California have made significant progress battling three major wildfires thanks to cooler and wetter weather, authorities said.56 minutes ago - California -
CBS Sports - Sports
UEFA Champions League: Will new format help Kylian Mbappe-less PSG's chances of winning it all?
French giants made a semifinal run in the final year of the old setup10 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
‘Go woke, go broke’ not true for brands, says global advertising study
Research shows ad campaigns that are more inclusive have a positive impact on profits, sales and brand worth. The cringe factor can be high when an established brand suddenly aligns itself with ...2 hours ago -
Financial Times - Business
Why GB News is angrier than ever
How Britain’s insurgent right-wing broadcaster scrambled to cover a tumultuous summerYesterday -
BBC News - Top stories
'Spurs will win more trophies than Arsenal this season'
Tottenham Hotspur fan Eddie Hearn and Arsenal supporter Roman Kemp debate the hot topics around the north London derby.5 hours ago -
Politico - Politics
Congress returns to Washington for a 3-week preelection sprint
5 days ago
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Vance says North Carolina crucial for a Trump victory
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) said it would be 'very hard' for former President Trump and himself to win the general election this fall without a victory in North Carolina. “If you just look at the ...7 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Warren warns of ‘profoundly serious consequences’ of a Trump victory
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) warned of “profoundly serious consequences” if former President Trump wins the upcoming election. Warren, in an op-ed published Saturday in The New York Times, ...7 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Tillis, Graham, Greene unite against Loomer’s comments
Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have united in admonishing racist remarks made by far-right activist Laura Loomer, a supporter of former ...8 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Mary Trump on debate: Winners don’t ‘turn down’ the chance to ‘win again’
Former President Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, said she thinks her uncle knows he lost the presidential debate earlier this week because winners don’t turn down the opportunity to “win again.” Mary ...9 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Russia, Ukraine exchange more than 200 in prisoner swap
Russia and Ukraine both announced Saturday that more than 200 people were freed in a prisoner swap between the two countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a statement and video ...11 hours ago - Ukraine