Area in Europe affected by wildfires could triple as a result of climate change
The area of Europe affected by wildfires could triple as a result of climate change, new research suggests. Back-to-back heatwaves and an early drought have created tinderbox conditions in western Europe since early July, leading to severe wildfires burning across France, Greece, Spain and Belgium in particular. More than 20 people have been killed, including 14 in the Almeria wildfire in Spain…
Wildfires in Europe could triple due to climate change, according to new research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research. A low emissions scenario projects a 39% increase in burned land annually by the end of the century, while a high emissions scenario predicts a staggering 192% increase. The study attributes this to heightened severity of hot, dry, and windy conditions triggered by rising temperatures.
In a 1.8°C warmer world, burned areas could decrease by 92% through improved fire management, but this efficacy may falter in a much warmer 3.6°C future. The global impact of these fires, particularly in Mediterranean regions and Western and Central Europe, could lead to significant economic losses for cities like London, estimated to reach £36 billion annually by the 2050s if climate change is not curbed.
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