Unprecedented increase in forest cover loss. Within just one year, the scale of forest cover loss in Canada increased from two to eight million hectares, representing a significant portion of the 24% rise in global forest loss. In 2023, the global forest cover loss reached 28.3 million hectares, directly resulting from forest fires in Canada. "In the rest of the world, overall forest cover loss decreased by four percent," the report adds.
Consequences and challenges after the fire season. Canada experienced approximately 18.5 million hectares of land burned in 2023, surpassing the previous record set in 1989 when 7.6 million hectares burned. In addition to direct destruction, the fire season destroyed homes, caused fatalities, and led to some of the worst air quality globally, both in Canada and the United States. Experts emphasize that increasingly intense and frequent fires can lead to permanent changes in forest ecosystems.
Premature start of the fire season. The year 2024 began with an early start to the fire season, attributed to the warmest winter on record. Officials in British Columbia and Alberta already indicate that due to drought conditions, an early start to fires can be expected. "We have many variables from year to year, but current drought conditions are cause for concern," says Chelene Hanes from the Canadian Forest Service, noting that this may impact the fire season in 2024.
Global consequences and efforts. The report also highlights the global phenomenon of deforestation, which increased by 3.2 percent in 2023. Deforestation not only contributes to climate change but also diminishes the world's ability to combat these changes. Despite commitments from over 140 countries to end deforestation by the end of the decade, "we are far from achieving our goals and are heading in the wrong direction," emphasizes Rod Taylor from the World Resources Institute.
The wildfire season in Canada in 2023 served as a sad reminder of the growing climate challenges facing the world, underscoring the urgent need to protect our forests and ecosystems."
