Substantial and increasing global losses of timber-producing forest due to wildfires

Nature Geoscience, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 16(12), С. 1145 - 1150

Опубликована: Ноя. 13, 2023

Abstract One-third of global forest is harvested for timber, generating ~US$1.5 trillion annually. High-severity wildfires threaten this timber production. Here we combine maps logging activity and stand-replacing to assess how much timber-producing has been lost wildfire century, quantify spatio-temporal changes in annual area lost. Between 2001 2021, 18.5–24.7 million hectares forest—an the size Great Britain—experienced wildfires, with extensive burning western USA Canada, Siberian Russia, Brazil Australia. Annual burned increased significantly throughout twenty-first pointing substantial wildfire-driven losses under increasingly severe climate change. To meet future demand, producers must adopt new management strategies emerging technologies combat increasing threat wildfires.

Язык: Английский

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North‐West Europe Hottest Days Are Warming Twice as Fast as Mean Summer Days

Geophysical Research Letters, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 50(10)

Опубликована: Май 17, 2023

Abstract Europe has seen a rapid increase in the frequency and intensity of hot extremes recent decades. In this study it is shown, using ERA5 reanalysis data 1960–2021, that hottest summer days North‐West are warming approximately twice as fast mean days. Moreover, pattern stands out relatively unusual across Northern Hemisphere. It also shown comprehensive climate models fail to capture difference trends. A hypothesis suggested explain differential rate between days, namely often linked warm advection from Iberia North Africa, areas faster than Europe. This can account for about 25% model ensemble hence further research needed understand drivers differing trends extreme temperature.

Язык: Английский

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Optimal heat stress metric for modelling heat‐related mortality varies from country to country

International Journal of Climatology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 43(12), С. 5553 - 5568

Опубликована: Июль 12, 2023

Abstract Combined heat and humidity is frequently described as the main driver of human heat‐related mortality, more so than dry‐bulb temperature alone. While based on physiological thinking, this assumption has not been robustly supported by epidemiological evidence. By performing first systematic comparison eight stress metrics (i.e., combined with other climate variables) warm‐season in 604 locations over 39 countries, we find that optimal metric for modelling mortality varies from country to country. Temperature no or little modification associates best ~40% studied countries. Apparent (combined temperature, wind speed) dominates another 40% There obvious grouping these results. We recommend, where possible, researchers use each However, performs similarly humidity‐based estimating present‐day climate.

Язык: Английский

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A multiscale analysis of heatwaves and urban heat islands in the western U.S. during the summer of 2021

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 13(1)

Опубликована: Июнь 13, 2023

Extreme heat events are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity due to climate change. They result in increased stress populations causing human health impacts heat-related deaths. The urban environment can also exacerbate because of man-made materials population density. Here we investigate the extreme heatwaves western U.S. during summer 2021. We show atmospheric scale interactions spatiotemporal dynamics that contribute temperatures across region for both rural environments. In 2021, daytime maximum eight major cities were 10-20 °C higher than 10-year average temperature. discuss temperature associated processes scales: or long-term change, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, synoptic high-pressure systems, mesoscale ocean/lake breezes, (i.e., islands). Our findings demonstrate importance impacting need holistic approaches mitigation strategies.

Язык: Английский

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Urban tree cover provides consistent mitigation of extreme heat in arid but not humid cities

Sustainable Cities and Society, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 113, С. 105677 - 105677

Опубликована: Июль 17, 2024

Urban land cover types influence the urban microclimates. However, recent work indicates magnitude of cover's microclimate is affected by aridity. Moreover, this variation in cooling and warming potentials can substantially alter exposure areas to extreme heat. Our goal understand both relative influences on local air temperature, as well how these vary during periods To do so we apply predictive machine learning models an extensive in-situ 1 m dataset across eight U.S. cities spanning a wide aridity gradient typical heat conditions. We demonstrate tree canopy buildings linearly scales with regional aridity, while turf impervious surfaces does not. These interactions lead consistently mitigate temperature increases arid cities, humid regions varied, suggesting that mitigation possible, but also aggravate or have no significant effect.

Язык: Английский

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