Wildfires, heatwaves threaten global air quality and health, UN warns
Summary
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported that wildfires and heatwaves are making air pollution worse worldwide, threatening human health and ecosystems. These events increase tiny toxic particles in the air, despite reductions in pollution from factories and vehicles in some regions.Key Facts
- Wildfires and heatwaves create microscopic particles called PM2.5, which can deeply harm lungs and enter the bloodstream.
- Fires produce more toxic smoke particles than other pollution sources like car exhaust.
- Even though industrial and transport pollution has decreased in Europe and North America, smoke from wildfires has increased exposure to harmful PM2.5.
- The WMO says current pollution monitoring misses some harmful particles like black carbon and microplastics.
- Air pollution and climate change are connected and must be addressed together to improve air quality.
- Extreme wildfire smoke events have tripled globally since the 1990s, causing tens of thousands of extra deaths yearly.
- Ground-level ozone pollution, which worsens during heatwaves, also raises health risks, especially for respiratory diseases.
- Scientists stress the need for better pollution monitoring and combined policies on climate and air quality.
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