In recent years, locations like Jasper, Lytton, Los Angeles, and Fort McMurray have experienced devastating fire disasters with severe impacts on lives, communities, and economies. Scientists now have evidence demonstrating that these highly destructive wildfires, causing fatalities and significant financial damages, are on the rise globally due to climate change.
According to John Abatzoglou, a study co-author and professor at the University of California Merced, the frequency of wildfires is increasing significantly, making it more a matter of when, not if, a fire will occur in many environments. The study, published in the journal Science, utilized data typically accessible only to insurance and financial institutions, such as from Munich Re, revealing a surge in destructive fires in recent years.
Examining the 200 most financially impactful fires from 1980 to 2023, the study identified a sharp rise in their occurrence since 2015. Over this period, fires resulting in ten or more deaths have tripled in frequency. Since 1980, there have been 43 wildfire disasters exceeding $1 billion US in costs, half of which occurred in the last decade.
The escalation in fire devastation aligns with worsening climate conditions that foster more fires, mainly driven by human activities like fossil fuel combustion. This reality necessitates a proactive approach to manage increasing fire risks globally, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to these challenges.
The study highlights heightened fire risks in Western U.S. and Canada, indicating a pressing need for national-level strategies to mitigate economic impacts from climate-related disasters. Jason Thistlethwaite, a University of Waterloo professor focusing on disaster economics, stresses the importance of investing in wildfire preparedness, including vegetation management, fire-resistant construction, and bolstering firefighting capabilities.
While high-risk areas are identifiable, the challenge lies in making this data accessible and actionable for the public. Thistlethwaite underscores the significance of improving access to climate risk information to encourage individuals and communities to undertake necessary adaptations effectively.
Efforts are underway to enhance data accessibility for informed decision-making in response to climate risks, underscoring the critical role of data transparency in driving proactive measures to address escalating wildfire threats.