Texas Wildfires and Carbon Emissions

SOURCE financialpost.com
Massive wildfires in Texas released 920,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in January and February, making it the second-largest release on record for that period. The fires also caused significant damage to livestock, ranches, and homes.

Key Points

  • 920,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide released in January and February
  • 2024 ranks second in fire-linked carbon emissions over the past two decades
  • Smokehouse Creek Fire was the largest fire in Texas's history

Pros

  • Up-to-date information on carbon emissions from wildfires
  • Use of satellite instruments to estimate emissions
  • Awareness of the environmental impact of wildfires

Cons

  • Significant carbon footprint from the fires
  • Destruction of property and loss of livestock
  • Impact on land reserved for carbon credits