Forest fires have become a global crisis, devastating ecosystems, displacing communities, and contributing significantly to climate change. Now there is hope as we learn how to combat forest fires with technology.
Rainforest ecosystems are naturally very wet, humid environments. Unlike habitat in places like Australia and California which is evolutionarily optimised to regenerate quickly, tropical rainforests are not in any way adapted to survive or bounce back from fire. This is one of the reasons fires in rainforest regions have much more lasting consequences.
Inspired by the work of Cool Earth to empower rainforest communities (read their blog on the topic here), we wanted to explore the role of technology in combating forest fires worldwide, with a particular focus on the Amazon, highlighting the impact on local communities and the innovative tools that can tackle this issue.
The unique challenge of Amazon fires
The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. However, it is not adapted to withstand frequent fires. Unlike the fire-adapted ecosystems of California or Australia, where certain plants and animals have evolved to survive and even thrive after fires, the Amazon’s flora and fauna are highly susceptible to fire damage. The dense, humid environment of the rainforest is not typically conducive to natural fires. Due to drier conditions of recent years and the impact of human activity like clearance and illegal logging, wildfires have become increasingly common.
Local communities in the Amazon, including indigenous tribes, have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. However, traditional knowledge among these communities does not include strategies for combating forest fires, as such events were historically rare. This exacerbates the impact of fires when they do occur.
The impact on people
The destruction caused by forest fires in the Amazon extends beyond environmental damage. Fires displace thousands of people, forcing them to leave their homes and seek refuge in urban areas. This displacement disrupts traditional ways of life and places additional pressure on already strained urban infrastructure. When displaced individuals move to cities, they often face challenges such as unemployment, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Moreover, the loss of forest cover and biodiversity affects the livelihoods of indigenous communities who rely on the forest for food, medicine, and cultural practices. The disruption of these ecosystems can lead to food insecurity and the erosion of cultural heritage. The displacement of people and the subsequent urban migration also contribute to deforestation, as cities expand and more land is cleared for agriculture and development.
Communities in Peru are learning to combat forest fires
The technology combatting forest fires
In the face of these challenges, technology has emerged as a powerful ally. From satellites in space to handheld devices on the ground, there are a range of tools to predict, monitor and combat fires in the Amazon and beyond.
Satellite monitoring
Satellites play a crucial role in the early detection and monitoring of forest fires. Organisations like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) use satellite imagery to track fire activity in real-time. These satellites can detect thermal anomalies, which indicate the presence of fires, and provide valuable data on fire intensity, spread, and location.
For instance, NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instruments provide continuous global coverage, enabling the identification of fires even in remote areas of the Amazon. This information is shared with local authorities and firefighting teams, allowing for timely and targeted responses.
The lungs of the world: the Amazon rainforest from space
Drones and aerial surveillance
Drones have revolutionised the way forest fires are monitored and managed. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors, drones can fly over affected areas to capture detailed images and data. This technology allows for precise mapping of fire boundaries, assessment of damage, and identification of hotspots.
In the Amazon, drones are able to survey vast and inaccessible areas, providing critical information to firefighting teams on the ground. By identifying the most affected areas and predicting the fire’s trajectory, drones help optimize resource allocation and improve the efficiency of firefighting efforts.
Drones provide an early warning system and can give detailed information to people fighting fires on the ground
Simulation and predictive modelling
Increasingly, advanced simulation and predictive modelling technologies are able to forecast the behaviour of forest fires. These models take into account various factors such as weather conditions, vegetation type, and topography to predict how fires will spread. This information is invaluable for planning and coordinating firefighting strategies.
In the Amazon, predictive models help authorities anticipate the movement of fires and identify areas at risk. By simulating different scenarios, these models enable decision-makers to develop proactive measures and deploy resources more effectively. For example, predictive modeling can inform the creation of firebreaks or the strategic placement of firefighting teams to contain the fire’s spread.
Handheld devices and mobile applications
Handheld devices and mobile applications are empowering local communities and firefighters with real-time information and communication tools. These devices can provide up-to-date weather forecasts, fire alerts, and maps, helping users make informed decisions on the ground.
One of the most exciting tools in the battle against forest fires is the “Firecast” system. The universities of Arkansas and the Earth Institute at the University of Columbia developed this app in partnership, and similarly there is the Amazon Conservation Group’s real-time fire monitoring app. These tools, and others like them, provide indigenous communities with access to satellite data and fire risk assessments. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, these tools give local communities a head start in managing and even preventing fires before they get out of control.
Forest fires are a global problem but with the power of technology, empowering those on the front lines of the battle we stand a chance to mitigate the worst of the effects.
Now we want to hear from you. Have we missed any interesting technologies that could play a role in the fight against forest fires? Share this blog with your networks and join the conversation online.
