Emissions of climate-altering species from open vegetation fires in the Mediterranean region

Abstract

The observed and projected climate change over the Mediterranean region poses serious concerns about the role of open vegetation fires (OVFs) in the emissions of climate-altering species. The aim of this study is dual. First, to review existing methodologies to quantify the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and black carbon (BC) emissions from OVFs. Then, by using four state-of-the-art emission inventories, to provide an assessment of the Mediterranean region as a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous dioxide (N2O), and black carbon (BC) for the period 2003-2020. Our analysis revealed discrepancies among the four analyzed inventories (GFEDv4.1s, GFASv1.2, FINN 2.5, and EDGARv8.0). In specific years, EDGAR emissions (only related to anthropogenic emissions) exceeded those reported by GFEDv4.1s and GFASv1.2 for CO2 and CH4. According to data provided by the three inventories reporting wildfire emissions (i.e. GFEDv4.1s, GFASv1.2, FINN 2.5) a large inter-annual variability affected OVF emissions, with a possible link with the occurrence of La Nina events, stressing the impact of climatic variability on wildfire activity. The primary contributors to emissions varied over time, with countries such as Italy, Algeria, and Greece frequently dominating the considered Mediterranean region. In 2012, GFED and FINN attributed 27% and 35% of CH4 emissions to Italy, respectively. Conversely, CAMS identified Algeria as the highest emitter, contributing by 32% in the considered domain. Our results highlight the need to improve emission inventories by integrating satellite measurements with ground-based data to increase the accuracy and consistency of climate-altering emissions related to OVFs.