Forest Fires
Forest Fires are among the top causes of damage to Southern Europe's forests. About 95 % of the total area affected lies in this particular region, with most of damage occurring during the heat of the summertime. a problem for human settlements and for ecosystem conditions and biodiversity. Excessively frequent fires reduce the quality of the habitats found here and destroy ecosystems, including those of these forests, which need time to develop. These fires also have the power to reduce the amount of benefits we obtain from forests such as wood for buildings, paper and fuel, recreational services and food products. The environmental impact of forest fires is not limited to biodiversity and ecosystem services. They also result in emissions of particles and gases (including CO2) into the atmosphere, outflow of mineral nutrients, and destruction of the organic layer of the soil. Furthermore, they change the water infiltration rates in the soil, making burnt areas more at risk to erosion, soil loss, and even landslides. Recurrent fires when combined with droughts, especially in southern parts of Europe, may also lead to desertification. |