Globally, wildfires burn an area comparable to Europe each year, emitting significant amounts of greenhouse gases and aerosols. As well as impacting communities and ecosystems, fire disturbance is also considered to be an essential component of the climate system.

Professor Emilio Chuvieco of the University of Alcalá, discusses how satellite sensors and ESA’s Climate Change Initiative are providing information regarding global, long-term global burned area trends to better understand the role of fire in the Earth's System.