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Fires Fuel Climate Change, More Fires

Scientists warn that fires must be included in climate models

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2009 5:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – Climate change calculations have missed the blazingly obvious, according to a new report from a global group of scientists. They warn that forest fires—generally considered to be a part of natural cycles—are a key driver of climate change, releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and creating conditions that spawn bigger and more frequent fires.

Human use of fire to clear forests accounts for nearly a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in history, say the researchers, who warn that "megafires" like the ones that scorched Australia this year are becoming more frequent. They are calling for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to start including fires in its climate models.

A fire erupts in a pine tree plantation northeast of Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

A wildfire rages toward South Carolina Highway 31 earlier this week (AP Photo/Horry County Fire Rescue, James Cyganiewicz via The Sun News)

A US Forest Service firefighter battles towering flames burning in the Angeles National Forest in October last year. (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)

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Fires Fuel Climate Change, More Fires

Scientists warn that fires must be included in climate models

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Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

1% Warming Chance Is Cause Enough to Act

'Cheney Doctrine' should apply to climate change

West Eases Off Carbon Demands for China, India

Copenhagen deal closer, but 2050 goal less likely

Industry Muffled Own Scientists on Warming

Coal, oil, companies suppressed experts' findings for years

Centuries of Trouble Already Locked In by Warming

Expert warns that CO2 has triggered 1,000 years of change

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Fires Fuel Climate Change, More Fires

Scientists warn that fires must be included in climate models

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

global warming • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change • wildfires • carbon emissions • greenhouse-gas emissions • forest fire

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

1% Warming Chance Is Cause Enough to Act

'Cheney Doctrine' should apply to climate change

West Eases Off Carbon Demands for China, India

Copenhagen deal closer, but 2050 goal less likely

Industry Muffled Own Scientists on Warming

Coal, oil, companies suppressed experts' findings for years

Centuries of Trouble Already Locked In by Warming

Expert warns that CO2 has triggered 1,000 years of change

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?