Satellite Observation of Smoke Emissions in the Iberian Peninsula
In August 2025, extreme temperatures and dry conditions fueled fires that ravaged parts of the Iberian Peninsula. However, satellite tools provide a unique perspective, offering maps and data that enable a better understanding of the scale of the disaster and the development of more effective response strategies.
The Orbital Eye on the Fire
On August 17, satellite images captured dense columns of smoke rising from northwest Spain and northern Portugal, drifting towards the Atlantic Ocean and merging with cloud systems over the Bay of Biscay. Some of the smoke was carried back towards the Mediterranean coast, creating a lingering haze. The activation of satellite tools allowed for the rapid generation of response maps for emergency teams, providing crucial support to on-the-ground efforts.
Maps of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
In addition to visible imagery, satellite monitoring, such as the collaboration between NASA and NOAA, can identify active fire sources and categorize them by intensity. Furthermore, these tools can measure carbon monoxide levels, a hazardous gas that can have far-reaching impacts on human health, even hundreds of kilometers away from the fires. Satellites and associated instruments play a crucial role in atmospheric surveillance, contributing to the creation of more precise pollution maps.
A Challenge Growing with the Climate Crisis
Fire is recognized as a crucial climate variable due to its influence on carbon cycles, air quality, and ecosystem dynamics. Consequently, the European Space Agency backs initiatives like XFires and the Climate Change Initiative, which compile global data to enhance predictive capabilities and support international agreements like the Paris Agreement. The satellite observations over the Iberian Peninsula not only depict an immediate crisis but also foreshadow a more intricate future characterized by increasingly frequent and severe fires. These developments compel us to rethink our approach to safeguarding our lands and collaboratively addressing the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
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