The Hidden Link Between Paper Products and Portugal’s Wildfires

In mid-September, Portugal was engulfed by rapid wildfires that turned its beautiful landscapes into scenes of devastation. Smoky red skies hung over the northern hills, and flames in the central region severed the country in two. The fires claimed nine lives and left countless others affected.

Source: Global News/YouTube

Few people realize that everyday items like tissues and toilet paper may have played a role in intensifying these blazes. Many popular paper brands use materials derived from eucalyptus trees—a species not native to Portugal but extensively cultivated there.

Eucalyptus trees, especially the Tasmanian blue gum, are favored in commercial forestry because they grow quickly and yield abundant pulp, making them ideal for producing high-quality paper efficiently. However, they’re notoriously flammable, which poses increased risks in our warming climate.

Introduced to Portugal in the early 19th century, eucalyptus plantations expanded massively during the mid-20th-century timber and paper boom. Today, they cover nearly two million acres—almost a tenth of Portugal’s land and a quarter of its forested area—making Portugal the country with the most eucalyptus relative to its size.

Experts warn that eucalyptus trees exacerbate wildfire dangers. Their leaves and branches decompose slowly, leaving dry material on the forest floor that acts as fuel. Moreover, their bark can ignite and be carried by the wind over long distances, sparking new fires that are hard to control.

The town of Albergaria-a-Velha was among the hardest hit. Once known for its hospitality, it faced tragedy as fires, fueled by surrounding eucalyptus plantations, destroyed homes and lives. Four people lost their lives, and over 40 families were left homeless.

Portugal’s largest producer of eucalyptus-based products, the Navigator Company, exports paper goods worldwide, including to the United States. While the company invests in fire prevention and sustainable practices, the extensive cultivation of such a flammable species remains a concern.

Environmental groups like Quercus are advocating to reduce eucalyptus plantations in favor of native species like oak, aiming to mitigate wildfire risks and promote biodiversity.

As consumers, it’s important to be aware of where our paper products come from. The tissues and toilet paper we use might be linked to environmental challenges far from home. By supporting sustainable forestry and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can help address these global issues.

Article information adapted from CNN. This article is provided under a Creative Commons license.

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