Wildfires are once again devastating the Arctic Circle, as reported by the EU’s climate change monitor, Copernicus. This marks the third occurrence of high-intensity fires in the region over the past five years. Copernicus highlighted increased air temperatures and dry conditions in Sakha, Russia, creating favorable wildfire conditions once sparked.
According to Russia’s deputy minister of ecology, management, and forestry, more than 160 wildfires have affected nearly 460,000 hectares of land up to June 24. Scientists fear that smoke from these fires could impair the Arctic Circle ice’s ability to reflect solar radiation, leading to increased heat absorption by both land and sea.
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Professor Gail Whiteman from the University of Exeter described the Arctic as “ground zero for climate change,” emphasizing that the intensifying Siberian wildfires signal approaching climate tipping points. She stressed the global impact, stating that Arctic events have far-reaching consequences.
Professor Guillermo Rein of Imperial College London referred to the fires as a “growing monster of climate change,” noting their increased frequency and impact on carbon-rich organic soils. Copernicus estimates that carbon emissions from June’s wildfires were the third highest in two decades, following significant fires in 2020 and 2019.
Mark Parrington, senior scientist at CAMS, noted similarities in conditions leading to the current fires and those of 2019 and 2020. He also highlighted the rapid decline of Arctic sea-ice since the 1980s as a separate concern exacerbated by climate change.
