How the source of your tissues and toilet paper is fueling wildfires thousands of miles away

In mid-September, wildfires devastated parts of Portugal, casting a smoky red haze over northern regions. Central Portugal saw highways engulfed, dividing the nation. Tragically, nine lives were lost. This environmental disaster was linked to eucalyptus trees, a non-native species in Portugal used for making paper products like toilet paper and tissues. Fast-growing and high in fiber, eucalyptus trees are commercially favorable but highly flammable, especially as climate change heightens risks.

Originating from Australia, eucalyptus trees have proliferated globally, covering significant portions of Portugal. These trees, while economically beneficial, pose increased fire risks due to their bark and leaves, which are particularly flammable. Their presence raises concerns over fire management, with their bark potentially sparking secondary ignitions across miles, complicating firefighting efforts.

The Portuguese town of Albergaria-a-Velha was among the worst-hit areas during September's fires, with extensive damage to forests and plantations. As a strategic economic resource, eucalyptus contributes significantly to Portugal's GDP through exports of pulp and paper. Although these products are globally distributed, the monoculture nature of eucalyptus plantations is under scrutiny for its environmental impacts.

Efforts for better forest management are being made, emphasizing the necessity of diversifying plantations with other species to bolster biodiversity and reduce fire spread. Eucalyptus management involves clearing undergrowth and conducting controlled burns, with agreements supporting thousands of landowners to improve land oversight.

Despite the economic benefits and investment in fire prevention, a significant portion of Portugal's forest remains poorly managed or abandoned, exacerbating fire risks. The impact of the September fires highlighted the need for ongoing review and adjustment in forestry practices.