Wildfires Pushed Canada Into Top Four CO2 Emitters In 2023

AFP/APP

Ottawa: A study published on Wednesday revealed that record wildfires in 2023 propelled Canada into the top four greenhouse gas-emitting countries globally for that year.

The wildfires, which burned 15 million hectares (approximately four percent of Canada’s total forest area) and displaced over 200,000 people, released 2,371 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and monoxide, raising Canada’s ranking from eleventh to fourth among the world’s top carbon emitters.

The study used satellite data to track smoke plumes from fires that occurred between May and September 2023. Researchers warned that the hot, dry conditions that fueled these wildfires are expected to become more common by the 2050s, potentially leading to more frequent and intense fires.

This trend poses a significant threat to the future ability of Canadian forests to act as carbon sinks, potentially undermining global efforts to mitigate climate change.