Fire is an integral part of the Earth System and all its components; it plays an integral role in the carbon cycle, atmospheric composition, and the radiation balance of the Earth. Although most often thought of as a hazard, it is also a necessary tool for several agro-economical systems and an indispensable requirement for the biodiversity of many ecosystems. These complex interactions need to be analysed in a new, integrated way. This session aims to bring together communities in various regions in the world working on topics including (1) fire emission models and forecasting of fires; (2) satellite and surface observations of fires, in-situ observations; (3) measurements of emission factors and burning efficiencies for different conditions, and development of dynamic emission factors; (4) evaluation of fire products, and of their uncertainties; (5) past and future evolution of fires; (5) the interaction between fires and land use and the use of fire in agro-economical systems; (6) the importance of fire for biodiversity and ecosystems; (7) the influence of fires on air quality/climate and health; (8) the socio-economical consequences of natural and anthropogenic biomass burning; and (9) communication of information on fires research.

The session is part of a new international and interdisciplinary activity on biomass burning by iLEAPS, IGAC, and WMO. The initiative will coordinate and facilitate research on all aspects of biomass burning in order to better quantify the influence of biomass burning on atmospheric chemistry and climate.