Recent research reveals that beetle infestations may significantly impact carbon emissions during wildfires. In particular, attacks on dead wood may increase the carbon released when wood burns, raising concerns about forest health and fire risks.
“The beetles do make a difference,” stated a researcher from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This study highlights that insect infestations can alter the dynamics of wildfires by killing trees, which, in turn, affects the ecosystem’s overall carbon footprint. Additionally, various beetle species contribute to the decomposition of downed trees on the forest floor, creating tracks and holes that may influence fire behavior.
