Can't see this email? View in your browser ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

*Trusted research, data & insights* ** for a better world for people, nature & climate

DONATE TO WRI ( [link removed] )

*****************************
WRI DIGEST SPECIAL: FIRES *↓*
*****************************

It’s not just your perception that forest fires are getting worse.

Recent blazes in Spain and Canada that forced thousands to evacuate are only the latest examples. 2024 was the worst year for forest fires on record. 2023 set the bar before that.

But even these extreme years are part of a broader trend.

WRI analysis shows that forest fires are becoming bigger, more frequent and more destructive around the globe, burning more than twice as much tree cover ( [link removed] ) today as they did at the start of the century.

Global tree cover loss ( [link removed] )

Chart by WRI. Data from Global Forest Watch.

The impacts on people and nature grow ever-more visible. Fire-related deaths are rising. Choking, smoke-filled skies are the new norm in many parts of the world. Entire communities have been leveled in places like Los Angeles ( [link removed] ). And fires are driving a larger share of global deforestation ( [link removed] ).

But why are forest fires escalating so quickly? What does climate change have to do with it? And how can we reverse the trend?

Dive deeper into our latest analyses to find out:

******************
Forest Fire Trends
******************

* Climate change is a major driver behind worsening forest fires, with the two locked in a vicious feedback loop ( [link removed] ).
* This has contributed to more extreme forest fires ( [link removed] ) over the last two decades.
* Even historically low-risk regions, like the tropics ( [link removed] ) , are seeing fires escalate.

************************
Unpacking Fire’s Impacts
************************

* Fires affect people both near and far ( [link removed] ) through smoke, hazardous air quality, polluted water, and damage to homes and infrastructure.
* More severe fires are eating away at forests’ ability to store carbon ( [link removed] ) , accelerating the world’s trajectory toward dangerous climate tipping points.

******************
Protecting Forests
******************

* Explore solutions to mitigate wildfires ( [link removed] ) and protect the world’s remaining forests ( [link removed] ).
* Track forest fire alerts in real time and explore global fire trends on WRI’s Global Forest Watch Platform ( [link removed] ).

*How You Can Help*

WRI relies on the generosity of donors like you to develop evidence-based solutions and turn research into action. You can support our work by making a gift today.

Donate ( [link removed] )

Other Ways To Support WRI ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] )

*Update Your Email Subscription Preferences* ( [link removed] )

*Unsubscribe* ( [link removed] )

*Privacy Policy* ( [link removed] )

( [link removed] ) Twitter ( [link removed] ) Instagram ( [link removed] ) LinkedIn ( [link removed] ) YouTube ( [link removed] )

World Resources Institute • 10 G Street NE Suite 800 • Washington, DC, 20002 • 202.729.7900