In the battle against climate change, scientists are continually seeking to understand and mitigate the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A recent study led by Mingtao Xiang from the Institute of Digital Agriculture at the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hangzhou, China, has shed new light on a often overlooked contributor: active fires. Published in the journal ‘Resources, Environment and Sustainability’ (translated from Chinese as ‘资源、环境与可持续发展’), the research reveals that fires have been responsible for a significant portion of global GHG emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2).
Since the turn of the millennium, active fires have contributed approximately 25% of global CO2 emissions, a figure that rivals those from fossil fuels and land use change. “The proportions of GHG emissions from active fires showed a descending tendency with fluctuation, but the annually totality almost kept increasing since 2003,” Xiang explains. This means that while the relative contribution of fires to GHG emissions may be decreasing, the absolute amount of GHG emissions from fires is on the rise.
The study, which analyzed data from 2003 to 2021, found that active fires released about 20% of the total 9.71 million tons of GHG emissions during this period. This is a staggering figure, especially when considering the regional variability and the impact on sparsely populated areas. “Most areas, where GHG emissions from active fires obviously exceeded that from fossil and bio fuels combustion, were sparsely populated,” Xiang notes. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of GHG emissions, one that takes into account not just industrial activities but also natural and human-induced fires.
The research also identified key regions where GHG emissions from active fires are particularly high. Over 43% of these emissions were attributed to Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Mainland of Southeast Asia, and Australia. These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts in these regions to mitigate the impact of fires on GHG emissions.
For the energy sector, this research has significant implications. It underscores the need for a more holistic approach to GHG emission reduction, one that considers not just industrial emissions but also those from active fires. This could mean investing in fire management technologies, improving land use practices, and developing more accurate models for predicting and mitigating the impact of fires on GHG emissions.
The study also highlights the importance of understanding the drivers of GHG emissions from active fires. Land cover, temperature, and population were identified as key factors regulating these emissions. This could open up new avenues for research and development in the energy sector, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and carbon capture and storage.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, this research serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of GHG emissions. It also underscores the need for continued research and innovation in the field of agritech, particularly in areas such as fire management and land use practices. By taking a more holistic and nuanced approach to GHG emission reduction, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.