A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology the researchers concluded that widespread prescribed burning could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60 percent in some forest systems and across the West by 18 to 25 percent.

Christine Wiedinmyer, lead author of the new study and a scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, summarized the research. “If we reintroduce fires into our ecosystems, we may be able to protect larger trees and significantly reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by major wildfires.”

The study used satellite observations and computer models of emissions to develop its conclusions.

About the article (more details here)

Title:  Prescribed Fire as a Means of Reducing Forest Carbon Emissions in the Western United States

Authors: Christine Wiedinmyer and Matthew Hurteau

Publication: Environmental Science and Technology