Resource description:
As the extreme weather and climate-related hazards intensify, the risk of wildfires is increasing across Europe. The conditions that heighten the fire risk are set to increase with climate change, notably heat and humidity of ecosystems, including soils. Healthy soils with functional water retention capacity also support healthy forest ecosystems that are more resilient to wildfires. At the same time, wildfires can cause soil degradation, leading to increased risks of soil erosion, landslides and floods. Strengthening the knowledge base on soils can contribute to improving disaster risk assessments that recognise the multi-faceted roles that soils play in mitigating disasters. Measures to strengthen soil health build resilience to future stress brought on by climate change.
Author/Contact:
The European Commission
