Study Reveals Climate-Fueled Wildfires Linked to Thousands of U.S. Deaths Over 15 Years

A recent study in *Nature Communications Earth & Environment* highlights a troubling reality: from 2006 to 2020, climate change led to around 15,000 deaths associated with wildfire smoke and incurred costs of about $160 billion. The alarming figures reveal annual deaths ranging from 130 to 5,100, particularly impacting states like Oregon and California.

“Wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent,” says Nicholas Nassikas, a Harvard Medical School physician and study co-author. He wanted to explore how this changing environment influences mortality rates, the most severe health outcome. This study provides crucial insights into that question.

Lisa Thompson, an Emory University scholar who specializes in air pollution, noted that this research uniquely isolates climate change’s impact on mortality. It examines these effects across various times and places, making it stand out in the field.

The study specifically targeted PM2.5, tiny particles very concerning when it comes to wildfire smoke. These particles can deeply enter the lungs, causing short-term issues like coughing and itchy eyes. Long-term exposure worsens existing health problems and can lead to severe chronic issues. Vulnerable groups include children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

According to the Health Effects Institute, PM2.5 pollutants are responsible for 4 million global deaths annually. Emerging data suggest that PM2.5 from wildfires might be more toxic than from other emissions. Fires near urban areas intensify the risks by burning vehicles and other materials containing harmful toxins.

Climate change, driven by coal, oil, and gas emissions, has been linked to an increase in wildfires throughout North America. Drier conditions—which climate change promotes—turn vegetation into perfect fuel for fires. Hotter temperatures further fuel the intensity and frequency of these devastating events. Research indicates that the extent of wildfires and the smoke they produce are escalating rapidly.

Jacob Bendix, a geography professor at Syracuse University, expressed concern over the study’s findings. “These numbers are significant,” he said, noting a common tendency to view wildfires as distant problems. He emphasized that this research underscores the widespread impacts of climate change on health.

The researchers relied on both modeled and existing data to reach their conclusions. They assessed how much wildfire activity could be connected to climate change by evaluating real historical climate conditions during wildfire events. They compared these findings with a hypothetical scenario absent of climate change, which allowed them to estimate PM2.5 levels from wildfires also linked to climate change.

This thorough analysis revealed that of the 164,000 deaths attributed to wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure between 2006 and 2020, 10% were due to climate change. Notably, certain western states showed mortality rates 30% to 50% higher than the average.

Marshall Burke, a global environmental policy professor at Stanford, acknowledged that while the link between climate change and burned areas is clear, tracing smoke’s direct impact on health is more complex. Questions remain about how these death estimates compare with broader air pollution fatalities.

Patrick Brown from Johns Hopkins University raised additional concerns about the study’s approach. He pointed out that while it acknowledges the role of non-climate factors in wildfires, these aren’t sufficiently weighted. He cautioned against oversimplifying solutions to solely focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, noting that immediate actions like fuel breaks and public health measures are often essential.

Land management techniques, such as controlled burns, can help manage wildfire fuel, according to Nassikas. However, the research indicates that without a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the death toll from wildfire smoke will likely increase.

“This study is about raising awareness,” Nassikas emphasized. “Now that we understand the issue, we can discuss personal, community, and larger-scale interventions to mitigate these health risks.”

Further reading on this topic can provide insights into public health responses and climate policies aimed at addressing the increasing threat of wildfires, particularly as climate change continues to reshape our environment.

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Smoke from climate-fueled wildfires contributed to thousands of US deaths over 15 years, study says – VnExpress International