Global biomass burning emissions hit lowest level since 2003 in first half of 2026, Copernicus reports

Global emissions from biomass burning in the first half of 2026 were the lowest in 24 years, according to Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service data. Total carbon emissions from fires came in just under 400 megatonnes, driven mainly by a drop in seasonal savanna fires in tropical Africa. Africa contributed 154 megatonnes and Asia 113 megatonnes, both regions where agricultural burning is common during dry seasons. The decline continues a long term trend linked to changes in fire management in those regions. But the picture may not hold. In late June, large wildfires ignited by lightning in Canada and across Eurasia pushed emissions up quickly. Copernicus scientists warn that predicted El Nino conditions could drive more fire activity in Indonesia and elsewhere, similar to 2015 and 2019. The first half of 2026 looks good on paper, but the second half could reverse the trend. The data comes from the CAMS Global Fire Assimilation System using satellite observations.