A new study shows that climate change-driven wildfires have caused as many as thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic costs.
The paper, published Friday in the journal Nature Communications Earth and the Environment, found that from 2006 to 2020, climate change killed about 15,000 people, from exposure to small particles from wildfires, causing about $160 billion in particles. The study shows that the death toll is between 130 and 5,100 per year, with the highest death toll in states such as Oregon and California.
"We're seeing more of these wildfire smoke events," said Nicholas Nassikas, a study author and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. So he and multidisciplinary researchers wonder, "What does this mean in a changing environment, such as mortality, which is the worst health outcome?"
Lisa Thompson, a professor at Emory University who studies air pollution and climate change and is not involved in the paper, said it was one of the earliest studies she has seen to isolate the impact of climate change on mortality. She said that watching the influence across time and space also makes it unique.
The researchers on the paper focus on the deaths associated with contact with fine particulate matter or PM2.5, a major concern for wildfire smoke.
These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause short-term exposure of coughs and itchy eyes. But in the long run, they can make existing health problems worse and lead to a range of chronic and fatal health problems. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and outdoor workers are among the most vulnerable. The Institute of Health Effects estimates that the pollutant kills 4 million people worldwide.
There is evidence that PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is more toxic than other sources of pollution. It increases danger when wildfires occupy cities, burn cars and other toxic materials.
Many studies have linked anthropogenic climate change caused by coal, oil and gas combustion to the growth of North American fires. Global warming is increasing droughts, especially in the West and other extreme weather. Dry conditions absorb moisture from the plants, which act as fuel for the fire. When dryer vegetation and seasons are mixed with higher temperatures, the frequency, degree and severity of wildfires and their smoke emitted are increased.
Jacob Bendix, professor emeritus of geography and environment at Syracuse University, said he was "frustrated" by the findings, but was not surprised.
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