Last month was worst July for wildfires on record, say scientists

Burning of land released 343 megatonnes of carbon, with wildfire season yet to peak in many areas

Last month was the world's worst July for wildfires since at least 2003 when satellite records began, scientists have said, as swaths of North America, Siberia, Africa and southern Europe continue to burn.

Driven by extreme heat and prolonged drought, the ignition of forests and grasslands released 343 megatonnes of carbon, about a fifth higher than the previous global peak for July, which was set in 2014.