Portugal is experiencing a brutal wildfire season, with blazes in the north of the country breaking records for carbon emissions this September.
According to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), these fires have already released nearly 1.9 megatonnes of carbon, more than any other September in the past 22 years of their data collection.
Since September 14, wildfires have been raging across northern Portugal, with emissions doubling the previous September high set back in 2003. But it’s not just carbon that’s being pumped into the atmosphere—hazardous pollutants like PM10 and PM2.5 are also surging, contributing to significant air quality issues in the region.
PM2.5, tiny particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, poses a serious public health risk. With the fires showing no signs of letting up just yet, CAMS forecasts predict that air quality will remain poor until at least September 25. Meanwhile, the fires’ smoke is being swept across the Atlantic and is expected to recirculate, reaching Spain and France over the coming days.
Mark Parrington, a Senior Scientist at CAMS, says, “Our data shows a sharp increase in fire emissions and their impact on air quality, reflecting the intensity of these wildfires. CAMS data, along with emergency management tools, is essential in helping countries assess and respond to these rapidly evolving situations.”
While rain is expected later this week, which could help ease the fires, residents in affected areas should be prepared for more hazy skies and lingering air quality issues. With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, this is another stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change.
