Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia are some of the European countries that have been affected by extensive forest fires during the summer. As a direct consequence of these, air quality has been affected. It involves both an increased amount of carbon dioxide and particles that can be harmful to us, according to a fresh report from Copernicus.
In South America, intense forest fires in, among others, Bolivia and the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Mato Grosso do Sul have led to exceptionally high emissions that have exceeded the average over the past 21 years.
It is particularly sensitive with carbon dioxide in these areas since it affects the Pantanal region, which is home to the world's largest tropical wetlands.
North America has also had an extreme summer with forest fires, primarily in Canada and western USA. According to measurements from the satellite monitoring service Cams, this has led to last year's record-high carbon dioxide emissions already being exceeded.
However, there are also positive aspects. A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows measurements of lower levels of small particles in the air in both Europe and China. This is due, according to researchers at WMO, to reduced emissions in the areas.
