Dense single-species' forests fan wildfires… 'Buffer zones' also crucial for forests

South French researcher Aruther Gulerk emphasizes that today's wildfires are the result of economic and political choices, as well as poor forest planning. These choices can be changed. In recent summer wildfires across Europe, Gulerk argues that the economic logic behind planting forests is the main cause. To build healthier forests both ecologically and fire-resistant, he suggests reducing tree density in the forest, restoring wetlands, and diversifying species.

Currently, European forests have shorter tree planting cycles, with monoculture trees cultivated to supply the paper industry. Gulerk warns that removing other species and planting a single species, like pine, has made the soil poorer, making forests more vulnerable to fires. He stresses the need for a plan to reduce tree density in each forest and create "depletion zones" – areas with relatively few materials.

By opening up spaces and retaining wetlands, we can slow down the spread of fires. Restoring wetlands, reducing pine density per hectare, and allowing some trees to grow taller can make forests more ecologically healthy. Gulerk argues that restoring wetlands and creating diverse natural landscapes with varied species is good for biodiversity and fire resistance.

These two goals can often be achieved together, forming the foundation for forest policy. In the long term, he believes that a changed land-use plan is necessary to adapt to the changing climate. Forests, agricultural land, and urban areas all need to create areas that absorb "climate shocks" and prevent erosion and runoff, rather than maximizing production and revenue in a narrow economic model.