Wildfires fueled by climate change pose a serious threat, resulting in thousands of deaths and massive economic losses each year in the U.S. A recent study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment estimated that between 2006 and 2020, climate change led to about 15,000 deaths due to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, resulting in nearly $160 billion in costs.
The study highlighted how climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of wildfire smoke events. Nicholas Nassikas, a physician at Harvard Medical School and a co-author of the study, remarked, “We’re seeing a lot more wildfire smoke events.” He stressed the need to understand the health implications of these changes.
Lisa Thompson, a climate change expert at Emory University, noted this research is unique for isolating climate change’s direct impact on mortality from wildfire smoke over time. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is a primary health concern. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing immediate irritation and worsening chronic conditions. Vulnerable groups like children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and outdoor workers are at even greater risk. According to the Health Effects Institute, PM2.5 pollutants are linked to around 4 million deaths globally.
Research shows that PM2.5 from wildfires can be particularly harmful. As wildfires spread into urban areas, they burn structures and toxic materials, increasing health risks. Studies have connected human-caused climate change—primarily from burning fossil fuels—to a rise in wildfire events, especially in the Western United States, where drought conditions are worsening.
Experts express concern about the study’s findings, seeing them as alarming but not unexpected. Jacob Bendix, a geography professor at Syracuse University, said, “These numbers are really significant.” He highlighted how the effects of wildfires extend beyond just the areas engulfed in flames, making it a broader concern for everyone.
To arrive at their findings, the researchers analyzed wildfire data, comparing real climate conditions with hypothetical scenarios where climate change wasn’t a factor. They found that out of 164,000 deaths connected to wildfire smoke from 2006 to 2020, approximately 10% can be attributed to climate change. Some regions, particularly in the West, experienced mortality rates that were 30% to 50% higher than the average.
However, some experts raised questions about the study’s conclusions. Marshall Burke, a professor at Stanford University, acknowledged that while the link between climate change and burned areas is solid, estimating the health impacts of smoke is complex, given the unpredictability of wind patterns and air quality.
Patrick Brown, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, also pointed out that the study could downplay non-climate factors contributing to wildfires. He suggested that while reducing carbon emissions is essential, other measures like controlled burns and public health initiatives could be just as vital for immediate safety.
Ultimately, experts agree that without significant action to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the danger from wildfire smoke will intensify. Nassikas emphasized that raising awareness is the first step: “Now what are the interventions that we can deploy at a personal level, at a community level, and then obviously at a larger level across the country and across the world?”
For more insights on the health impacts of air pollution, you can check out the State of Global Air 2023.
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