A new interactive map launched by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) allows users to track wildfire smoke and emissions in real-time, offering a global view of air pollution from blazes. The Fire Emissions Watch tool enables individuals to monitor emissions worldwide, replay significant fire events, and compare the impact on affected countries.
The service comes as Europe experiences one of its most severe wildfire seasons in years, with significant fires burning across France, Spain, and other nations. "It is very apt that this product should launch at such a critical moment for fires across the globe, with thousands of people displaced and millions exposed to hazardous air pollution," said Laurence Rouil, Director of CAMS. "Whether users want to understand the fires affecting their local area or examine global biomass burning trends over the past two decades, Fire Emissions Watch makes that information available in just a few clicks."
France has reported its highest year-to-date fire emissions on record, surpassing the previous peak from 2022. The country also experienced its most intense July for wildfire carbon emissions, registering 0.89 megatonnes of carbon. The tool visualizes daily carbon emissions as an indicator of various pollutants in wildfire smoke and shows how smoke plumes travel, including a smoke forecast.
Globally, Canada generated the highest wildfire emissions in the past month, with smoke affecting North America, the Arctic, and the North Atlantic. This pollution contributed to air quality alerts in parts of the eastern United States. The map also allows users to review historical fire events dating back to 2003, including significant wildfires in Europe, the Amazon, and Canada's 2023 season.
Wildfire smoke poses a health risk due to its toxic mix of microscopic fine particles (PM2.5) and hazardous gases. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory issues, aggravating chronic lung diseases, and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, especially in older adults. Health agencies recommend staying indoors with windows closed and avoiding strenuous activity when smoke levels are high.
The Fire Emissions Watch tool uses satellite observations to estimate global fire pollution. "Our teams have worked incredibly hard to develop Fire Emissions Watch, which we believe will be a game changer for global fire emissions monitoring," Rouil stated.
Scientists suggest that the increasing frequency of weather conditions conducive to wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, is leading to more destructive and faster-moving fires, particularly in regions like Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece. Despite overall fewer fires in Europe compared to four decades ago, those that ignite are occurring under more dangerous conditions, making them harder to control.