Portugal’s recent wildfires have devastated over 122,000 hectares of land, predominantly in the northern and central regions. The fires, which began in mid-September, have claimed lives, injured hundreds, and prompted a day of national mourning. Experts warn that the flammability of Portugal’s forests is due to several factors, including climate change and poor biodiversity, making the region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires.
Climate Change and Environmental Conditions
Extreme weather conditions have fueled the current wave of wildfires. Higher-than-average temperatures for late summer, strong winds, and low humidity have created the perfect storm for the spread of fires. Experts like Maria Conceição Caldeira, a researcher at ForEco, warn that these conditions, worsened by climate change, will become more frequent unless landscapes are adapted to withstand them.
Lack of Forest Biodiversity
One of the main issues contributing to Portugal’s fire problem is the lack of diversity in its forests. The country’s woodlands are dominated by a few species, particularly eucalyptus and pine, which are highly flammable. Francisco Guerreiro, a former Green MEP, has called for better management and more diverse species to improve forest resilience against fires. Researchers agree that a broader variety of tree species could reduce fire intensity.
The Role of Eucalyptus in Wildfires
Eucalyptus, a fast-growing tree native to Australia, is one of the most controversial species in Portugal’s forests. It covers a significant portion of the land and is blamed for exacerbating wildfires due to its flammability and the energy it releases during fires. Domingos Xavier Viegas, director of the Centre for Forest Fire Research, highlights that eucalyptus can cause secondary fire outbreaks by projecting burning particles over long distances.
Economic Importance of Eucalyptus
Despite its reputation for fueling fires, eucalyptus remains an economically important tree for northern and central Portugal. It is widely used for producing paper pulp, firewood, and timber, providing income for local communities. Caldeira notes that the tree’s fast growth and economic benefits make it difficult to remove entirely, though balancing its presence with other species could mitigate fire risks.
Calls for Action and Forest Management Reforms
As wildfires become a growing threat in Portugal, public and political calls for reform are rising. Environmental groups, like Climáximo and Emergência Florestal, are organizing protests to demand more proactive measures in preventing fires. With the devastating effects of past fires still lingering, experts stress the urgent need for improved forest management and biodiversity to protect the country from future disasters.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Guardian
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