Climatic change and its potential impact on forest fire occurrence in south-central Chile (33º - 42º S)

Abstract

Fire frequency and severity have increased in different regions of the world. The main causes explaining these new fire patterns would be associated with climate and land-use change. The present contribution briefly examines the recent changes of climate and predictions and their potential influence on fire activity in south-central Chile, along with the necessary adaptation measures to cope with this problem. Different studies coincide in that main effects of climate change in this area will be associated with lower precipitations which would result in an increment of the occurrence and area affected by forest fires. The major and more urgent challenge is defining the proper policies and strategies of mitigation and adaptation to promote healthy forests (i.e., productive, diverse and resilient), ensuring a continuum provision of ecosystem services under a changing climate.