Climate change is not only intensifying forest fires in the United States, but it is also contributing to thousands of deaths each year due to exposure to smoke.
According to a new study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, the increase in temperatures and extreme drought has led to 15,000 deaths related to air pollution between 2006 and 2020, in addition to generating economic costs exceeding 160 billion dollars.
The danger of forest fire smoke
Researchers focused on the impact of PM2.5 exposure, ultrafine particles present in fire smoke.
These particles can:
- Deeply lodge in the lungs and cause respiratory diseases.
- Affect the cardiovascular system, increasing mortality.
- Generate chronic problems in children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The Health Effects Institute estimates that PM2.5 pollution causes 4 million deaths worldwide.
The link between climate change and increased forest fires
Previous studies have shown that climate change is worsening the wildfire crisis in North America.
Global warming increases drought, which:
- Dries out vegetation, turning it into fire fuel.
- Raises temperatures, intensifying fire spread.
- Creates extreme weather conditions, making fire control more difficult.
Concerning findings on mortality
The study analyzed the impact of climate change on the extent of fires and the resulting pollution.
It was concluded that:
- 10% of deaths caused by forest fires in the U.S. between 2006 and 2020 were attributable to climate change.
- The most affected states include Oregon and California, where mortality rates were up to 50% higher than elsewhere.
- Exposure to smoke and pollutant particles will continue to increase without urgent measures.
How to mitigate this crisis?
Environmental and public health experts recommend:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to curb global warming.
- Implementing better forest management strategies, such as controlled burns and firebreaks.
- Promoting public health campaigns to raise awareness about smoke risks.
Without effective measures, the frequency and severity of fires will continue to increase in the coming decades, with increasingly lethal consequences for the population.
Cover photo: AP Foto/Etienne Laurent
