"Mexico and the challenge of wildfires in a world on fire"

In a global scenario marked by an increase in wildfires, the contrast between Mexico and other regions of the world is notable. The rainy season in our country coincides with summer, which helps mitigate the incidence of devastating wildfires, unlike what is observed in more temperate and boreal latitudes. There, longer and drier summers, combined with record temperatures, create conditions conducive to the onset of fires that ravage vast areas of land. While in Mexico the majority of wildfires are caused by human action, in regions such as California, Siberia, and Australia, fires are often the result of natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms. This difference lies in the management of ecosystems and the agricultural practices that prevail. In our country, farmers and ranchers often resort to burning lands to eliminate weeds or expand cultivation areas, which increases the risk of fires. This situation is further exacerbated by the recent elimination of the Temporary Employment Program, which previously trained farmers to combat wildfires. In contrast, in temperate and boreal forests, the accumulation of plant material during winter and spring rains becomes a dangerous fuel as summer heat arrives. Therefore, governments in these regions face a dilemma: they must decide whether to fight all fires or to allow some controlled burns that reduce the accumulation of combustible material, thus avoiding catastrophic fires that could wipe out fire-adapted tree species. The paradox of global warming becomes evident; while this phenomenon increases the likelihood of devastating fires, those same fires release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, perpetuating a destructive cycle. In southeastern Australia, fires in recent years have wreaked havoc, and in Canada, the impact has been equally dramatic, with nearly two million hectares ravaged in 2023. Globally, wildfires have intensified, with countries like Greece facing significant losses in their forests. In 2022, more than 100,000 hectares were consumed by flames in the Hellenic country, a phenomenon that has been replicated in other European nations and on the west coast of the United States. This situation is compounded by the fact that the recovery of forests in these regions can take decades, limiting the ability to recapture the CO2 that has been emitted. However, in Mexico, there is a glimmer of hope. Tropical rainforests, often deforested or burned, have the potential to regenerate in a relatively short time. This recovery capacity is not only crucial for biodiversity but also for carbon capture. It is imperative that our country implements a robust rainforest restoration program to replace initiatives like "Sembrando Vida," which have proven ineffective in their goals. Restoring low-productivity agricultural and grazing lands is a viable strategy that could contribute to the fight against climate change. Not only would it allow for the recovery of valuable ecosystems, but it would also offer a sustainable solution to the agricultural problems faced by many communities in Mexico. The reality is clear: climate change and wildfires are interconnected phenomena that require comprehensive and effective responses. Mexico has the opportunity to lead in implementing strategies that not only mitigate the impact of fires but also promote the recovery of its important ecosystems. In this context, it is essential that policymakers listen to the voice of science and act urgently to protect the country’s natural heritage while also contributing to the global fight against climate change.