Greenhouse gas emissions and socio-environmental costs of anthropogenic fires in Tucumán (Argentina): A remote sensing and environmental economics approach

Anthropogenic fires linked to the burning of agricultural biomass residues represent a recurring environmental disturbance in the province of Tucumán, northwest Argentina. These events are predominantly associated with land clearing and post-harvest burning in sugarcane fields concentrated in the region’s lowland plains, where agro-industrial activity is most intense. Such practices contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, vegetation degradation, and a range of socio-economic impacts. This study integrates satellite-derived fire indices with environmental economic tools to quantify the spatial and temporal effects of fire over the past five years (2021–2025) and assess their implications for climate change mitigation and policy.

Multispectral data from Sentinel‑2 and atmospheric composition products from Sentinel‑5P were processed via Google Earth Engine to calculate vegetation and fire severity indices including NDVI, dNBR, and BAI. Additionally, tropospheric CO and CO₂ concentrations were used to evaluate atmospheric impacts. The spatial distribution of fire activity—primarily in the eastern and southern lowlands—was cross-referenced with the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) and IPCC Tier 1 emission factors to estimate fire-related GHG emissions. Preliminary analyses indicate an average of 45,000 ha affected annually, mainly in sugarcane-dominated landscapes, resulting in estimated emissions of approximately 382,500 t CO₂-equivalent per year.

To evaluate broader socio-environmental impacts, economic losses were estimated across multiple dimensions: reduced land productivity, costs of ecosystem restoration, loss of ecosystem services (e.g. carbon sequestration, water retention), and public health expenses related to degraded air quality. Additional indirect impacts include traffic accidents due to smoke-induced low visibility and recurring property damage reported in local media. These preliminary estimates suggest combined annual damages of approximately USD 46.5 million, underscoring the considerable burden imposed by current fire management practices.

It is important to note that this work presents ongoing research, and all results are preliminary. The estimates provided will be further refined through continued integration of field data, emission modeling, and economic valuation methods.

This integrative approach demonstrates the value of combining Earth observation technologies with environmental economics to support climate-oriented decision-making. By quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of anthropogenic fires, this study provides critical evidence for the development of cross-sectoral policies aimed at regulating biomass burning, improving land management practices, and strengthening resilience to climate risks. The case of Tucumán underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to current residue management practices and for aligning agricultural production with mitigation goals.