According to a United Nations report published earlier this year, the worsening heat and dryness could lead to a 50% rise in the off the chart fires. Effectively, the team of over 50 researchers who crafted the report estimate that the total risk of highly devastating fired could increase by 57% by the end of the century. The report by UNEP and GRID-Arendal. Concluded that climate change is worsening wildfires, and anticipates increases of such fires all over the world, including previously unaffected areas.
In recent years, record breaking wildfires have been observed in many parts of the world from Australia to the Arctic, and America. According to the BBC, the amount of burnt land across Europe is thrice what is should at this time. The record-breaking heatwaves which have been observed substantially increase the risk of wildfires. Recent analysis from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that over 95% of fires in Europe are human-induced, for instance through lighting campfires or discarding lit cigarettes. It should be noted that hotter weather dries up forests, which makes them more susceptible to burning and fires spreading. Effectively, rising temperatures evaporate more moisture from the ground, which leads to drier soil, and causes the vegetation to become more flammable. The Environmental Defense Fund warns that as droughts and heats continue, and the greenhouse gas emission continue to rise, more wildfires, and longer fire seasons should be expected in future years.
Spain has lost over 200000 hectares to wildfires so far this year.
Other than the destruction of environments, wildfires also increase air pollution and can affect regional air quality. This can lead to respiratory illnesses, to which children and the elderly are most prone. Wildfires in residential areas can also cause contamination of water systems, as they can melt water pipes.
“Scientists say that without steep cuts to greenhouse gases, heatwaves, wildfires, flooding and drought will significantly worsen.” (Al-Jazeera)
The infographic below details the impact of the recent fires in Europe and Northern Africa.
How to build community resilience to fires:
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions suggest that communities reduce the likelihood and impacts of wildfires by:
Discouraging developments near fire prone forests
Increasing the space between structures and nearby trees and brush
Incorporating fire resistant design features and materials in buildings
Increasing resources allocated to firefighting and fire prevention
Removing fuels, such as dead trees, from forests that are at risk
Developing recovery plans before a fire hits, and implementing plans quickly after a fire to reduce erosion, limit flooding and minimize habitat damage