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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Environment
RFI

How forests decimated by wildfires still have the power to heal

Burnt trees and scorched land are pictured following wildfires near the village of Coustouge, in the Aude department in southern France on 8 August, 2025. AFP - LIONEL BONAVENTURE

Wildfires that ripped through Europe this summer, forcing thousands to flee and leaving vast areas of forest in ashes, were the worst the continent has seen in decades. Scientists say climate extremes are driving the destruction. Yet forests have an incredible capacity to recover – sometimes naturally, and sometimes with human help.

In recent years, forest fires have destroyed millions of hectares of vegetation in North America, southern Europe, Australia, and especially in Africa.

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