A recent study from the University of Cambridge has found that rising temperatures and drier conditions in spring and summer are extending the UK wildfire season. As a result, wildfires are becoming more frequent and lasting longer, releasing even more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
One key takeaway is the impact of peatland fires. These carbon-rich areas, while only covering about 25% of the UK’s burned land, are responsible for up to 90% of the carbon emissions from wildfires since 2001. The researchers noted that severe emissions spikes occur in particularly dry years.
Peatlands only ignite under hot and dry conditions, which are becoming more common due to climate change. Regions like Saddleworth Moor and Flow Country have seen devastating wildfires in recent years.
The study emphasizes the important role of land managers in achieving climate goals. Keeping peatlands hydrated can significantly reduce the risk of intense fires and limit carbon emissions.
Unlike heather moorland that can regrow in about twenty years after a fire, burnt peatlands can take centuries to recover. This slow regeneration poses a serious threat to carbon storage, making frequent wildfires on these lands particularly concerning.
If global temperatures increase by 2°C, carbon emissions from peatland fires in the UK could rise by at least 60%. The findings highlight a broader concern for peatlands in temperate climates and were published in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
Dr. Adam Pellegrini, the lead author, stated, “Peatland fires contribute significantly to UK carbon emissions, and we expect this to worsen with climate change.” He stressed that rewetting peatlands is essential to prevent fires and safeguard the carbon they store.
Since 2011, the UK’s wildfire season has lengthened from 1-4 months to 6-9 months. This change is especially evident in Scotland, where nearly half of the country’s wildfires occur.
Peatlands cover 9% of the UK, and in good health, they absorb over 3 million tonnes of CO2 yearly. However, between 2001 and 2021, approximately 800,000 tonnes of carbon were released from peatland fires. Notable fires, like those in Saddleworth Moor and Flow Country, each emitted tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon into the air.
The researchers analyzed wildfires over the past two decades, examining where they occurred, the carbon released, and how climate change influenced these events. They used various data sources, including fire locations, vegetation types, and peat depth, alongside climate models to predict future wildfire trends in the UK.
Efforts to rewet peatlands will require incentives for land managers, which can be challenging but could lead to significant benefits. Pellegrini concluded, “Protecting peatlands from extreme heat and drought is an effective approach to cutting carbon emissions and achieving net-zero goals.”
On average, 5,600 hectares of moor and heathland burn each year in the UK, compared to 2,500 hectares of peatland. The trend highlights the urgent need for action to keep peatlands safe and thriving.
