Countries with lower incomes suffer more consequences from forest fires

The obvious consequences of forest fires do not go far beyond. Of course, extensive amounts of burned forest cause one of the greatest damages, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of animal populations.

A study published in the journal Nature tracked the exposure of people worldwide to harmful particles that are present in air contaminated by fire smoke. The study estimated the global daily air pollution from all fires from 2000 to 2019. At least 2.18 billion people experience substantial landscape fire air pollution for a minimum of one day each year.

Low-income nations face greater wildfires

On average, each person in the world had 9.9 days of exposure per year, showing a 2.1% increase in the last decade. Furthermore, the study revealed that exposure levels in low-income countries were about four-fold higher than in high-income countries.

But, air pollution and the damage it can cause to people's health also relate to the environment and are not usually seen or estimated within the losses caused by fires.

Smoke from wildfires often rises into the air. Some of this goes into the atmosphere, causing an impact on the ozone layer. Wind currents can displace another part and end up thousands of kilometers from the place where the fire occurred.

This research asserts that countries in Central Africa face the highest exposure to the consequences of this pollution. Some nations in South America, Oceania, and parts of Asia come after them.

Scientists estimated that 86% of the population exposed to unhealthy particles from wildfires were located in low- and middle-income countries. Chile, the United States, and Japan, classified as high-income countries, have also experienced consequences.

One of the problems, the authors point out, is that forest fires are increasing as climate change progresses, so the consequences in the coming years could be more serious. In addition, it is also important to start measuring how this affects people's health, as part of a comprehensive measurement of the effects of particulate matter resulting from forest fires.

'Climate injustice'

Another study published in Nature on Wednesday highlighted that wildfire smoke in the United States had undermined the progress made in air quality over decades, as per scientists.

Cities in affluent countries also contend with poor air quality exceeding WHO guidelines, primarily due to pollution associated with transportation, heating, and industry.

Earlier this month, the UN World Meteorological Organization indicated that climate change was causing more frequent and severe heatwaves and, consequently, a mix of pollution.

Mitigating climate change to reduce extreme weather events would be beneficial in minimizing the risk, according to Li.

The researchers asserted that their findings offered additional proof of "climate injustice," as those least responsible for human-induced climate change were the most affected by wildfires, which climate change made more frequent and intense.

They also suggested that altering land management practices, including curbing the burning of agricultural residues and deliberate fires for converting wild areas for agricultural or commercial purposes, could help decrease the extent of wildfires.

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