Impacts of Forest Fire on Ecosystem and Climate-Related Drivers

Dear Colleagues,

Forests, as one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, are increasingly being impacted by extreme forest fires due to climate change and other anthropogenic factors. These fires not only cause immediate destruction, but also have long-term effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and climate feedback loops. In recent years, we have witnessed several catastrophic forest fires, such as the 2025 Los Angeles Fires, the extensive fires in Canada in 2023, and the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires, which have highlighted the urgent need to understand and mitigate the impacts of such events.

The Australian bushfires of 2019–2020, for instance, burned over 17 million hectares, including the largest documented area burnt at high severity. These fires generated a record number of pyro-convective storms and disrupted the planet’s stratosphere, causing significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Similarly, the fires in Canada in 2023 affected over 18 million hectares, emphasizing the growing threat of extreme forest fires at a global scale.

Given the increasing frequency and intensity of these fires, it is crucial to investigate the complex interactions between forest fires and the broader ecosystem and climate system. We invite researchers from various disciplines, including ecology, climatology, forestry, and environmental science, to contribute to this Special Issue. We welcome experimental studies, monitoring approaches, and modeling efforts that can help us better understand the impacts of extreme forest fires on ecosystems and the climate-related drivers that influence these events.

By bringing together a diverse range of research, we aim to promote knowledge and develop adaptation strategies for the preservation, management, and future development of forest ecosystems in the face of increasing fire threats. We look forward to receiving your contributions to this important Special Issue.

Dr. Jie Zhao
Dr. Chao Yue
Dr. Yuyun Fu
Guest Editors

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