The Escalating Threat: Climate Change Fuels Worsening Wildfires and Smoke

Scientists warn that the increasing severity of wildfires and smoke is not the "new normal," but rather the "new abnormal" caused by climate change. Wildfires are consuming three times more land in the United States and Canada each year compared to the 1980s, and studies predict that fire and smoke will continue to worsen. The warming climate is creating drier conditions, making plants more flammable and increasing the intensity of fires. The resulting smoke exposes millions of people to unhealthy air, causing respiratory and other health issues. To mitigate these effects, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary.