Global Warming and Wildfires

Fire is a natural and beneficial part of many forest ecosystems, but the number and intensity of fires today is challenging fire managers and forest communities throughout the West.

Hear more from Dr. Amanda Staudt, NWF's global warming scientist:

National Wildlife Federation looked at how global warming is fueling Western wildfires in the report, Increased Risk of Catastrophic Wildfires: Global Warming’s Wake-Up Call for the Western United States.

• Download the Report (pdf)
• Listen to a teleconference about the report (11.7MB)

 
How Does Global Warming Increase Wildfire Risk?

The frequency of large wildfires and the total area burned have been steadily increasing in the Western United States, with global warming being a major contributing factor.

• Longer fire seasons will result as spring runoff occurs earlier, summer heat builds up more quickly, and warm conditions extend further into fall. Western forests typically become combustible within a month of when snowmelt finishes. Snowpack is now melting 1 to 4 weeks earlier than it did 50 years ago.

• Drier conditions will increase the probability of fire occurrence. Summertime temperatures in western North America are projected to be 3.6 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit higher by mid-century, enhancing evaporation rates, while precipitation is expected to decrease by up to 15 percent. The Southwest will be hit particularly hard, perhaps shifting to a more arid climate.

• More fuel for forest fires will become available because warmer and drier conditions are conducive to widespread beetle and other insect infestations, resulting in broad ranges of dead and highly combustible trees. Higher temperatures enhance winter survival of mountain pine beetles and allow for a more rapid lifecycle. At the same time, moderate drought conditions for a year or longer can weaken trees, allowing bark beetles to overcome the trees’ defense mechanisms more easily.

• Increased frequency of lightning is expected as thunderstorms become more severe. In the western United States a 1.8 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature is expected to lead to a 6 percent increase in lightning. This means that lightning in the region could increase by 12 to 30 percent by mid-century.

The bottom line is that the overall area burned is projected to double by late this century across 11 western states if the average summertime temperature increases 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit, with Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah being hit particularly hard.
 

How Do Wildfires Threaten Wildlife?

Fire was once a healthy, natural part of our ecosystem, however climate change and other pressures are causing more intensified firestorms, sparking more damage and putting wildlife more at risk. How is wildlife impacted by fires?

• They can't escape.
• Their habitat is destroyed.
• Their habitat is dramatically altered.
• They undergo major stressors trying to recover.
• Bigger fires are changing the ecosystem balance.

Read more about how wildfires impact wildlife by Dr. Doug Inkley >>
 

What Can We Do?

We can all help wildlife and reduce the threat of wildfires.

• Practice fire safety when outdoors, and keep an eye on fire bans in your area >>
• Learn ways to help wildlife and reduce your carbon footprint >>
• Speak up for laws that will help reduce our carbon pollution and help wildlife >>
• Help plant trees through NWF's Trees for Wildlife program >>