{
  "id": 4667986,
  "title": "3 ways wildfire smoke affects the economy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/3-ways-wildfire-smoke-affects-the-economy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:39:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Futurity",
    "slug": "futurity",
    "url": "https://www.futurity.org/how-does-wildfire-smoke-affects-the-economy-3344262/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wildfire smoke from climate change is causing significant economic impacts in the United States, according to Georgia Tech economist Casey Wichman. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air quality, with higher numbers indicating poorer air quality. When wildfire smoke reaches cities, the AQI can soar above 500, posing serious health risks and economic consequences.\n\nFirstly, reduced spending in the local economy occurs on days with high air pollution. People tend to stay indoors rather than going out and spending money, which can hurt local businesses that rely on foot traffic, such as shops, restaurants, and outdoor event organizers. Even businesses with remote work options may see a drop in productivity as employees avoid exposure to smoky air.\n\nSecondly, wildfire smoke reduces productivity for workers, both inside and outside the office. Breathing polluted air can make it harder to concentrate and make decisions, leading to mistakes and a decline in work quality. Outdoor workers in agriculture and construction may take more sick days or cancel shifts to protect their health. Even those working from home might experience reduced productivity due to poor air quality in their surroundings. These productivity losses are harder to quantify but are still a significant concern.\n\nLastly, the health effects of air pollution from wildfire smoke increase healthcare costs. Short-term exposure costs Americans between $11 billion and $20 billion annually, while long-term exposure costs between $76 billion and $130 billion per year. Higher smoke levels often disproportionately affect lower-income workers in service and consumer-facing industries who cannot work remotely or afford to miss work. Additionally, more frequent smoke events may lead to more school and workplace closures, further impacting economic activity. As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense due to climate change, economists expect more flexibility with work-from-home arrangements, disruptions to outdoor labor, and increased school cancellations, all of which will contribute to lost wages, delayed projects, and reduced economic activity.",
  "summary": "An expert breaks down how increased wildfire smoke from climate change affects spending, productivity, and health care costs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}