Patagonia wildfire risk tripled by climate change, researchers say

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🗞️ Driving the news: Research has revealed that human-caused climate change has made the devastating wildfires in Argentina and Chile up to three times more likely
• The study, conducted by World Weather Attribution, shows that the high temperatures and droughts that fueled the wildfires in both countries were significantly intensified by global warming
• Chile’s fires was made 200% more likely and Argentina’s 150%

🔭 The context: The wildfires, which ravaged thousands of hectares of forest in Chile’s Biobío and Ñuble regions and Argentina’s Patagonia, resulted in tragic loss of life and destruction
• These fires were exacerbated by record temperatures, low rainfall, and highly flammable, invasive tree species
• The study also highlights the role of weak governance and underfunded firefighting efforts in Argentina, which may have worsened the impacts

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The findings pointsout the growing link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide
• The environmental cost of these disasters also emphasizes the urgent need for better global climate action and stronger disaster preparedness 

⏭️ What's next: As climate change continues to drive more extreme weather events, the need for effective policy responses becomes even more critical
• Both Chile and Argentina are faced with a challenge to prioritize climate adaptation measures, including improving firefighting resources and addressing environmental degradation

💬 One quote: “The main driver of this increased fire risk is human-caused warming,” said Clair Barnes, research associate with World Weather Attribution

📈 One stat: The report finds that seasonal rainfall in the affected areas was 20-25% lower than would have been expected without the 1.3°C global temperature rise since pre-industrial times

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