Air Pollution from Fires Linked to Over 1.5 Million Annual Deaths: Study
AFP
Paris: Air pollution caused by wildfires and other landscape fires is responsible for over 1.5 million deaths annually, with the overwhelming majority occurring in developing nations, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
Researchers warn this death toll is expected to climb as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of wildfires.
The study highlights the disproportionate impact of fire-related air pollution on low and middle-income countries, exacerbating global health inequities. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 40% of the deaths, while nations like China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also face significant tolls.
A Deadly Legacy of Smoke
Between 2000 and 2019, fire-related air pollution contributed to approximately 450,000 annual deaths from heart disease and 220,000 from respiratory conditions, the study found. The total death toll from all causes associated with fire pollution during this period reached 1.53 million annually.
Illegal farming practices, such as the burning of crop fields in northern India, have exacerbated the crisis, with recent fires worsening hazardous smog in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Ecuador has declared a national emergency over forest fires that have destroyed over 10,000 hectares, underscoring the growing threat worldwide.
A Call for Climate Justice
The researchers stress the need for urgent action to address the health crisis stemming from fires. They highlight the stark disparity between rich and poor nations, calling it a manifestation of “climate injustice.”
While wealthier nations can implement protective measures like air purifiers and evacuation protocols, these solutions are often inaccessible to poorer populations. The study calls for increased financial and technological support to help vulnerable communities mitigate the risks.
A Global Challenge in a Warming World
The findings come on the heels of UN climate talks, where developing nations criticized the agreed-upon climate funding as inadequate to address their mounting challenges. This year, projected to be the hottest in recorded history, has already seen devastating hurricanes, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
The authors urge governments and global institutions to prioritize investments in fire prevention, early warning systems, and healthcare infrastructure to reduce the death toll. They warn that without immediate action, the combined impacts of climate change and landscape fires will continue to worsen, deepening health crises and global inequalities.
This study underscores the pressing need for coordinated global action, not only to combat climate change but also to address its deadly health consequences, particularly in the most vulnerable regions.
