Smoke pollution from wildfires may be killing an extra 12,000 people a year, new research suggests
Recent research indicates that global heating is significantly intensifying the risk of death from smoke inhalation, especially in regions like Australia, South America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Can you explain the main findings of this research?
Graham Readfearn, Environment and Climate Correspondent, reported on these alarming trends, highlighting that global heating is leading to an increase in wildfires around the globe and is likely responsible for an additional 12,000 deaths annually due to smoke inhalation. What insights do you have on the studies published in *Nature Climate Change* regarding the impact of climate change and human activities on wildfire risks?
One study, led by Dr. Chae Yeon Park from Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies, estimated that approximately 100,000 people die each year from inhaling smoke containing harmful particles known as PM2.5, which can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. How did the researchers go about isolating the effects of climate change from other human actions, such as land clearing?
The research involved comparing three models of global vegetation and fire under current climate conditions to one where modern climate change effects were absent. Despite variations in results, the collaboration of authors from eight countries, including the UK, US, Germany, and China, consistently found that global heating is linked to a rising number of deaths due to PM2.5 from wildfires. What factors were identified as driving this increased fire risk?
In some regions, increasing temperatures were identified as the primary cause, while in others, lower humidity played a significant role. Experts have pointed out that the health impacts of wildfires may be underestimated because the toxicity of fire-generated particles is more severe than that of particles from other pollution sources. What can you share about the health consequences experienced in areas like Australia during extreme wildfire events?
Professor Hilary Bambrick from the Australian National University noted that millions faced dangerous levels of smoke pollution during the devastating black summer fires of 2019 and 2020, resulting in hundreds of deaths and potential long-term health effects. How does this study connect to broader concerns about climate change and public health?
Additionally, another study by scientists from the UK and Belgium found that global heating is increasing wildfire risks specifically in regions such as Australia, Siberia, and African savannas. Seppe Lampe from Vrije Universiteit Brussel remarked on the landscape changes due to human activities that have decreased the total area burned, but emphasized that climate change’s impact is continually growing. Can you elaborate on the implications of these findings regarding climate change and wildfire management strategies?
Professor Wim Thiery, another co-author from VUB, noted that the rate of area affected by climate change-induced fires is rising every year. How can we better prepare for the future given these alarming statistics?
