Climate Change Drives Increase in Global Wildfire Burned Areas

New studies reveal that human-induced climate change has nearly offset the decline in global wildfire areas due to land-use changes over the past century.

Climate change has expanded global burned areas by 16%, nearly offsetting a 19% decline from land-use changes over the 20th century.
The study finds significant increases in burned areas in regions like South America and Australia, with climate change as a major contributing factor.
Research shows that climate change has intensified fire weather conditions, increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide.
Smoke from wildfires poses significant health risks, with climate change-linked smoke-related deaths rising from 1.2% in the 1960s to 12.8% in the 2010s.
Experts warn of the urgent need for climate action and improved land management to mitigate the escalating wildfire crisis and its health impacts.