France’s forest management may need to change to prevent more wildfires in Les Landes
Summary
Wildfires have severely damaged the Les Landes forest in southwest France, an area previously hit by large fires in 2022 and 1949. Experts say the current forest's design, with rows of pine trees planted for timber, increases the fire risk, especially as climate change causes hotter and drier conditions.Key Facts
- Les Landes forest is the largest man-made forest in Western Europe, covering 10,000 square kilometers.
- The forest was originally planted in the 19th century mainly with maritime pine trees for timber and resin.
- The pine tree plantation is a monoculture, meaning it consists mostly of one species, which dries out easily and helps fire spread quickly.
- Fires in this forest have burned an area four times the size of Paris recently.
- Climate change is making conditions hotter and drier, increasing the risk of wildfires.
- Mixed forests with different types of trees hold more moisture and resist fire better than single-species pine forests.
- Soil under the pine trees has become dry and loses its natural water-rich layer, making fires worse.
- French President Emmanuel Macron said replanting with different types of trees is needed to adapt to climate change and protect the forest.
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