Climate change is a key factor in the increase as it leads to higher temperatures and drier conditions. The impacts of fire-related losses are being felt primarily in forests in more northerly countries like Canada and Russia. While fire is a natural part of how these forests have long functioned, the scale of destruction seen in Russia in 2021 was unprecedented. Trees and soils store carbon dioxide – one of the key gases warming our atmosphere – and experts say they are crucial in tackling climate change. How can the fires be prevented in short term?

