Europe Records Highest Forest Fire Emissions in 23 Years

Europe is witnessing an alarming environmental crisis as forest fires this year have generated record-breaking carbon emissions, the highest in over two decades, according to the European Union's Copernicus Earth Observation Service.

By September 15, 2025, forest fires across the continent had released an estimated 12.9 megatons of carbon into the atmosphere. This figure surpasses previous records set in 2003 and 2017, when emissions reached 11.4 megatons. The scale of this year’s emissions highlights the intensifying impact of climate change and the growing vulnerability of Europe’s forests.

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Copernicus reported that the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal, bore the brunt of these devastating fires in August, contributing to nearly three-quarters of the total emissions recorded this year. The southern regions of Europe, traditionally prone to dry summers, faced especially severe fire activity, leaving landscapes charred and ecosystems disrupted.

Laurence Rouil, Director of the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service, remarked, “Over the course of the summer, various regions in Europe were affected by very intense forest fires, especially in the south. The emissions caused by these fires are the highest in at least 23 years.”

The record-breaking carbon release underscores the urgent need for enhanced forest management, stronger fire prevention strategies, and accelerated action on climate mitigation to protect both the environment and public health. As Europe grapples with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, experts warn that such extreme fire seasons could become increasingly common in the coming years.