Why do some forests burn more virulently than others? Among the answers, factors such as ambient temperature, wind, or topography often appear as key drivers. However, there is another, much more invisible element: the humidity of living vegetation, a factor very complicated to calculate accurately. Until now.

Observing nature carefully allows us to discover recurring shapes and structures. This is no coincidence: it is based on rules and patterns that often have a mathematical basis. Understanding them helps scientists better comprehend how ecosystems function, how species are distributed, and how territory is organized.

Doctor in biology, Joan Pino, director of the Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), explains that the expansion of El Prat airport above the protected natural area of La Ricarda, as envisaged in the draft project presented by Aena, would have significant negative impacts on the biodiversity of the Llobregat delta and the health of the residents of nearby towns. All this, in a climate emergency scenario.