FOREST-FIRE EMISSIONS IN PORTUGAL - A CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL WARMING

A forecast of expected evolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Portugal between 1988 and 2010 is presented. Predictions show that CO2 emissions will almost double in the next twenty years. The equivalent potential CO2 emissions from nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and volatile org anic compounds (VOC), for a time horizon of 20 years, is also presente d NO(x) and VOC emissions seem to make a significant contribution to t he global warming potential of Portuguese emissions. Estimates Of CO2 emissions due to forest fires have been made, oriented towards the stu dy of the Portuguese contribution to the global warming. If the burned area exceeds 100000 ha this contribution could reach 7% of the total Portuguese CO2 emissions. The global warming potential of Portuguese f orest fire emissions were also calculated The climate change predicted to Portugal could be responsible for an increase in the forest fires and consequently for a greater contribution of its emissions to the to tal values. It was concluded that it is important to quantify emission s of the greenhouse gases, including the contribution of forest fire e missions, not only in Portugal, but in all the Southern European count ries.