In brief
Research published in the journal Science reveals that the frequency of the 200 most economically damaging wildfires has surged 4.4 times since the 1980s, significantly harming global economies and communities. The study identifies climate change and increased human habitation near fire-prone areas as primary contributors to this escalating crisis.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Earth’s most hazardous wildfires are erupting four times more frequently now compared to the 1980s, spurred by climate change and closer human settlements, according to a recent study.
Published in the journal Science, the research evaluated global wildfires not only by acres burned, but more critically by the resultant economic and human damages. It has been concluded that globally, there is an increasing trend of devastating wildfires driven by climate change.
Led by Calum Cunningham, a pyrogeographer from the University of Tasmania, the research team—which included Australian, American, and German scientists—analyzed the 200 most damaging fires since 1980 based on their impact on GDP, adjusting for inflation. The findings indicate that the occurrence of these catastrophic fires has multiplied by approximately 4.4 times from 1980 to 2023.
Cunningham stated, “It clearly indicates a significant wildfire crisis.” Approximately 43% of the identified devastating fires occurred within the last decade. In contrast to the 1980s, when an average of just two catastrophic fires happened annually, recent years (2014-2023) have seen an alarming rise with nearly nine major incidents each year, peaking with 13 in 2021.
Wildfires are particularly rampant in Europe and North America, notably in fire-prone regions like the Western United States and the Mediterranean encompassing Southern Europe, where climatic conditions lead to extreme dryness exacerbated by global warming.
The study demonstrates a worrying trend wherein the frequency of lethal wildfires—resulting in at least 10 fatalities—has tripled over the same period. Global data reflects a correlation between escalating economic damages and increased instances of severe wildfires.
Weather conditions favoring extreme fires, characterized by hot, dry, and windy conditions, were identified to be on the rise, further linked to the burning of fossil fuels. Researchers believe that even absent human-induced climate change, the world would still experience severe fires, though not to the extent currently observed.
The study posits that our societal practices—such as encroaching on fire-prone areas—complicate wildfire management and intensify risks, suggesting a pressing need for proactive measures to address the underlying causes of these disasters.
