Wildfires are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study published in the journal Nature Communications in 2020, wildfires are responsible for about 22% of global carbon dioxide emissions from land use and land-use change, which includes not only wildfires but also deforestation and other land-use practices.

The removal of alien plant species and replanting of indigenous ones can help reduce the scope and intensity of wildfires, which in turn can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires. Alien plant species, also known as invasive plant species, can often be more flammable than native plant species. They may have a higher fuel load, meaning they can ignite more easily and burn more intensely than native plants. When invasive plants take over an ecosystem, they can create a more uniform fuel bed, which can allow wildfires to spread more easily and quickly. On the other hand, native plant species have evolved with the local ecosystem and are better adapted to local conditions. They can be less flammable and can help break up the continuity of fuels, making it more difficult for fires to spread.

Therefore, removing invasive species and replanting native species can help reduce the risk and severity of wildfires in affected areas, and thus help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires. Additionally, replanting with native species can help restore ecological balance, which can have numerous other environmental benefits.

The Knysna Alien Busters Project was established in Knysna, South Africa to deal with the massive re-growth of invasive alien plants following the 2017 Knysna Wildfire. These alien plants threaten the recovery of native flora and fauna following the fires, and if left unchecked will also elevate the risk of increasingly intense, damaging wildfires occurring in future. The project involves teams of local people trained in invasive alien plant identification and control. Landowners pay the cost of labor, transport and equipment. Herbicide is provided free of charge by the Government and is used in the invasive alien plant control activities undertaken by the project. The Knysna Alien Busters Project has been successful in clearing invasive alien plant re-growth in the Knysna Area. So far, more than R500,000 (~USD 28,000) has been raised in landowner contributions and donations, facilitating clearing of alien plants on over 400 hectares of public and private property.