Global Wildfires Surge: ESA’s World Fire Atlas Offers In-depth Analysis
The map depicts worldwide fires occurring between May 2016 and June 2023, using data from the World Fire Atlas by the European Space Agency (ESA). This atlas provides a detailed examination of global wildfires, utilizing nighttime data from the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) on the Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite. This data overlays ESA’s World Cover map, sourced from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission of 2021.
Functioning like an aerial thermometer, the sensor measures thermal infrared radiation to gauge Earth’s land surface temperatures, aiding in fire detection. ESA has reopened the World Fire Atlas in response to devastating wildfires in various countries, particularly Canada facing its most severe wildfire season on record.
Recent weeks have witnessed destructive wildfires in Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Tunisia, and Canada, leading to human casualties, ecological harm, and economic losses.
Although wildfires are natural in many ecosystems, scientists caution that they are growing in frequency and scope. Consequently, an upgraded version of ESA’s World Fire Atlas is now accessible, providing a thorough analysis of global wildfires.
Wildfires and Global Patterns
Elevated global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events have caused a surge in wildfires, swiftly consuming extensive vegetation and forests. Nations like Greece and Italy have already suffered the dire consequences of large-scale blazes.
As of July 29, 2023, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) has reported that over 234,516 hectares of land in the European Union have burned this year alone. This situation necessitates prompt attention and effective countermeasures against the escalating wildfire risk.
ESA’s World Fire Atlas
Given the severity of wildfires, ESA has reopened the World Fire Atlas, providing insights into the distribution of individual fires on national and global scales.
Through its interactive dashboard, users can compare fire frequency among countries and analyze fire evolution over time. The atlas was initially launched in 2019, supporting both European civil protection agencies and firefighters.
The dashboard employs nighttime data from the SLSTR on the Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite, acting like a “sky thermometer” to measure thermal infrared radiation and detect fires’ temperatures on Earth’s surface.
Though the atlas may not capture all fires due to satellite constraints and cloud cover, it remains statistically representative over different months and years. Data from the Copernicus Sentinel-3B satellite will be integrated by December 2023.
Historical Data and Canadian Wildfires
Over the past seven years, World Fire Atlas data reveal numerous fires in Portugal, Italy, Greece, France, and Spain. The highest number of fires occurred in Portugal in August 2016 and October 2017.
Measured in “pixels,” Canada experienced 11,598 fire pixels during the first seven months of 2023, marking a 705% surge compared to the average over the same period from 2017 to 2022.
Canada is presently grappling with its worst-recorded wildfire season, with over 10 million hectares of land burned, a figure predicted to rise in the coming weeks.
ESA’s Pledge
Olivier Arino of ESA stated, “The relaunch of the World Fire Atlas offers a valuable opportunity for authorities, researchers, and organizations to enhance their understanding of global fire occurrences. Leveraging this comprehensive resource can lead to more effective global strategies for fire prevention and management. ESA, Copernicus, and the EU’s steadfast commitment to providing this resource underscores the importance of utilizing space technology to address crucial environmental challenges.”
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wildfire Analysis
What does the ESA’s World Fire Atlas provide?
The ESA’s World Fire Atlas offers a detailed analysis of global wildfires using data from satellites like Copernicus Sentinel-3A. It allows users to monitor fire occurrences and patterns.
Why is the World Fire Atlas important?
The Atlas is crucial because it helps us understand the distribution and evolution of wildfires, especially with rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.
How does the World Fire Atlas detect fires?
The Atlas uses data from the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) on the Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite. This sensor measures thermal infrared radiation to detect changes in Earth’s land surface temperature caused by fires.
What recent wildfire events prompted the Atlas’s reopening?
Devastating wildfires in countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Tunisia, and Canada prompted the reopening of the World Fire Atlas, with Canada facing its worst wildfire season on record.
How does the Atlas aid in fire prevention and management?
The interactive dashboard of the Atlas allows users to compare fire frequencies across countries and analyze fire evolution over time. This aids authorities, researchers, and organizations in devising effective strategies for fire prevention and management on a global scale.
What is the significance of Canada’s wildfire situation?
Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season ever, with over 10 million hectares of land burned. The Atlas’s data highlights a 705% increase in fire pixels compared to previous years, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
How does the Atlas contribute to climate change awareness?
By providing a comprehensive resource on global fire occurrences, the Atlas underscores the impact of rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns, driving awareness about climate change-related challenges.
More about Wildfire Analysis
- ESA’s World Fire Atlas
- Copernicus Sentinel-3A Satellite
- European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS)
- Copernicus Sentinel-2 Mission
- Climate Change and Wildfires
