UN Report Highlights Wildfires' Impact on Air Quality

Wildfires are increasingly contributing to air pollution, releasing a dangerous cocktail of pollutants that can severely affect air quality, according to a recent report from the United Nations weather agency. The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of air quality and climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed in its annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin that wildfires have become more frequent, likely due to climate change, and have significantly impacted air quality across various regions.

In 2024, wildfires contributed to higher levels of particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5, in regions such as Canada, Siberia, and central Africa, with the most alarming increases noted in the Amazon basin. The bulletin indicates that these fires are not only a local concern but can also have transcontinental effects on air quality.

The report outlines how wildfires generate fine particles, known as aerosols, which contribute to air pollution alongside winter fog, shipping emissions, and urban pollution. The WMO warned that the issue of particle pollution would likely worsen as global temperatures rise, posing increasing risks to human health, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) is particularly concerning because it can deeply penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health issues. The findings suggest that in 2024, wildfire activity resulted in above-average PM 2.5 levels across several regions, with the Amazon basin experiencing the most significant spikes due to both record fires in the western Amazon and drought conditions fueling additional blazes in northern South America.

The WMO further highlighted that air pollution from wildfires can affect populations far removed from the source. For instance, particulate emissions from the Amazon have been shown to degrade air quality in densely populated urban areas within Brazil, while Canadian wildfires have been linked to air pollution as far away as Europe. Lorenzo Labrador, a scientific officer at the WMO, stated that favorable meteorological conditions can lead to a degradation of air quality across continents.

The report also draws attention to the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires in southern Europe, which have contributed to regional pollution levels this year. However, there are some positive developments; the bulletin notes a decline in particle pollution in Eastern China attributed to persistent reduction efforts.

According to the World Health Organization, ambient air pollution is responsible for approximately 4.5 million premature deaths annually, underscoring the critical need for effective air quality management and climate action to mitigate the health impacts.