Assessing fire-induced tree cover loss and its contribution to carbon emission in BRICS + nations

Global loss of forest and tree cover has been mounting over the past few years, from 13.4 million hectares (Mha) in 2001 to 28.3 Mha in 2023 resulting in the loss of 59.33 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2). BRICS + nations contributed 12.9 percent of the global CO2 emissions from forest and tree cover loss.Analysis of data on carbon emission due to forest fire from 2001 to 2022 revealed that tree cover loss due to fire in BRICS + nations is getting severe and frequent especially in countries like Russia, Brazil, and India, affecting climate, biodiversity, and ecosystems, causing release of large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The significance of this study lies in the fact that no previous work has systematically examined or compared forest and tree cover loss alongside the associated carbon emissions resulting from forest fires across BRICS + nations. BRICS + collectively account for approximately 40% of global forest and tree cover loss and represent major contributors to global CO₂ emissions. Time-series analysis predicted that if significant preventive actions are not undertaken at the regional as well as global level, the CO2 emission from forest fire, especially in BRICS + nations is projected to rise significantly in the next few years. Therefore, understanding the caustic role of fire in global tree cover loss is crucial in managing emissions from forest degradation, land‐use change and controlling the global carbon cycle. In this review, we synthesized knowledge generated on tree cover loss and carbon emission due to forest fire with the aim to enhance our understanding of the impact of forest fire on tree cover loss and carbon emission in BRICS + nations.