Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · United Kingdom
University of Aberdeen study links past global warming to long-lasting wildfire increases
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen report that past warming periods triggered prolonged rises in wildfire activity, and that ecosystems took far longer to recover than earlier estimates suggested.
Why it matters: Researchers studying wildfire and ecosystem recovery have a new University of Aberdeen finding that recovery after warming-driven fire surges takes far longer than previously thought.
The University of Aberdeen announced on 20 October new research examining ancient wildfire activity.
According to the university, the study found that periods of global warming can set off increases in wildfire activity that persist over long periods.
The university said the research shows ecosystems need far more time to recover from such fire activity than had previously been thought.
Editor’s view
Scott James, Research and Innovation Editor
For researchers working on wildfire and ecosystem recovery, the University of Aberdeen reports that warming periods can drive lasting rises in fire activity and that recovery takes far longer than previously estimated, which the university presents as a warning for a warming world.
