August 30, 2023

What’s happening with wildfires around the world?

Wildfire has been a big subject in 2023, particularly in Canada, Hawaii and Greece.  Are we are seeing more wildfires than before?  What is the role of climate change and land use change?  What can we expect in future, and what can be done to stop them happening and limit their damage?

Journalists came to this briefing, put together with the help of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), to hear from some experts and ask them questions.

Speakers included:

Dr Chantelle Burton, senior scientist in climate and fire modelling at the UK Met Office

Dr Douglas Kelley, land surface modeller at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and lead data analyst on the UNEP report “Spreading like Wildfires”

Dr Andrew Sullivan, a leading expert in bushfires based at the CSIRO in Australia and lead author on the UNEP report “Spreading like Wildfires” – also a volunteer firefighter