Experts say "working with nature can be our best ally against forest fires" by preserving wetlands and wildlife
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According to Phys.org and several other media reports, environmental scientists and resilience planners are urging governments to treat forests, wetlands, floodplains, and coastal ecosystems as critical infrastructure, warning that the loss of natural landscapes is making fires and floods more destructive and more expensive to manage.
The call comes amid growing evidence that intact ecosystems can dramatically reduce disaster impacts. Forests slow the spread of wildfires, wetlands absorb stormwater, mangroves blunt storm surges, and healthy soils reduce the risk of landslides and flash flooding. But researchers say these natural protections are being eroded faster than they can be restored.
According to conservation groups, the world is losing nature at a rate that undermines its ability to buffer extreme weather. In the United States, recent wildfire seasons have shown how deforestation and degraded landscapes can accelerate fire behaviour, while post‑fire flooding has caused billions of dollars in damage. In California, some communities hit by the 2025 wildfires are still struggling to rebuild as insurers retreat from high‑risk zones.
International examples show similar patterns. Severe flooding in parts of Spain and southern Europe has been linked to the loss of wetlands and river‑basin vegetation, while coral reef decline has left coastal communities more exposed to storm waves and erosion.
Experts argue that nature‑based solutions — such as restoring floodplains, reforesting burned areas, and protecting coastal marshes — are often cheaper and more effective than engineered structures alone. But they warn that these measures require long‑term investment and political commitment.'
Photo above: Aspen tree line. Photo: Wikipedia
As CTIF.org has reported before, Canadian resaerchers have identified leaving corridors of fire resistant aspen trees can be a powerful buffer against the spread of forest fires.
According to The National Environmental Treasure, Beavers have long been recognized as nature’s engineers, building dams that slow rivers and reduce flood risks. But new research shows their impact is even greater. Beavers create thriving, water-rich habitats that act as natural firebreaks, slowing wildfires and helping ecosystems recover. Far from being just a Canadian icon, the beaver is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
Further Reading:
https://ctif.org/news/natural-fuel-breaks-could-aspen-trees-help-solve-wildfire…
https://phys.org/news/2026-02-nature-powerful-ally.html?
https://article.wn.com/view/2026/02/10/Commentary_Nature_is_a_powerful_ally_aga…?