Which parts of the world are becoming more prone to wildfires?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive globally, fueled by climate change, poor urban planning, and risky development practices
• Los Angeles County’s recent wildfires highlight how sprawling into fire-prone areas and using flammable building materials exacerbate fire risks
• Similar patterns are being observed in other regions worldwide

🔭 The context: Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns due to climate change have extended fire seasons across continents
• Human settlement in fire-prone regions, particularly with inadequate fire-resistant infrastructure, increases vulnerability
• Governments and insurers face mounting challenges in managing these risks effectively

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Wildfires emit significant greenhouse gases, contributing to a vicious cycle of warming and environmental degradation
• They destroy ecosystems, endanger biodiversity, and threaten human life and property
• Addressing the root causes of fire risk is critical to mitigating their broader environmental and social impact

⏭️ What's next: Policymakers need to improve urban planning, enforce fire-resistant building codes, and invest in fire prevention strategies
• Globally, collaboration is essential to adapt to and mitigate the worsening impacts of wildfires linked to climate change

💬 One quote: “Around the world, people must prepare for a future in which disastrous fires happen more frequently”

📈 One stat: The average global wildfire season has lengthened by nearly 20% since the 1970s, driven by rising temperatures and prolonged droughts

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