Image by CharlVera from Pixabay
You have likely seen wildfires in the news this year due to their widespread impact. Unprecedented fires have destroyed millions of hectares of land, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and eliminated entire habitats.
The main factors driving the risk of fire development are dry fuel, oxygen, and heat. Ignition sources of wildfires around the world include natural events like lightning strikes (of which climate change is undoubtedly the biggest trigger) and human activities such as vehicle fires, cigarette butts, and campfires.
Hannah Ritchie's recent post examines the recent prevalence of wildfires across different countries. In 2023, Canada saw a record-breaking amount of area burned, more than double the previous record since the 1970s. Greece also experienced a significant year for wildfires, with the second-highest amount of area burned since the 1980s.
This Guardian article looks at the impacts of gruelling fires in America this year, which have started earlier than normal and are testing the resolve of crews.
The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires highlight the urgent need to address climate change. By taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming, we can help prevent the escalating impacts of extreme weather events such as wildfires, safeguarding ecosystems and communities for future generations.
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