The bark beetle poses an increasing threat to Europe's forests. The small insects, which bore into the bark of trees, not only cause considerable damage to the trees themselves, but also have a significant impact on the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, according to a new study.
Recent research shows that bark beetle feeding trails can have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions from forest fires. A groundbreaking study by the Free University of Amsterdam has found that these seemingly minor damages have profound consequences. Experiments carried out in the laboratory simulated the effect of the beetles' typical feeding damage on the flammability of wood.
By making holes in rotten spruce trunks, the natural feeding traces were imitated and burning experiments were carried out. The result was remarkable: the holes accelerated the ignition of the flames and significantly extended the burning time of the wood. It was also observed that the wood with feeding marks smouldered for longer, which led to faster and more intensive combustion. These conditions led to an increased release of carbon compounds such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The increased emissions from the burning of affected wood are worrying, especially considering that such wood is widespread in European forests. This dead wood, often left behind or not removed in time, can become real fire accelerants under the right conditions and significantly increase the amount of greenhouse gases released during a forest fire.
According to the results of the study, which was presented on the Deutschlandfunk program on March 12, 2025, bark beetle infestations could increase the intensity and environmental impact of forest fires through this mechanism. These additional emissions could in turn lead to a cycle that accelerates the release of greenhouse gases and exacerbates existing climate challenges.
These findings are crucial for rethinking strategies to prevent forest fires and deal with infested stands. The study results show that in addition to containing the spread of bark beetles, plans are also needed to sustainably manage the resulting biomass to minimize the projected release of greenhouse gases.
Given the rapidly changing climate, it is essential to understand the complexity of the impact that even the smallest insect pests can have on the environment. This research represents a crucial step in shedding light on the relationship between insect infestation, wood dynamics and climate change and developing effective solutions.
