Study Reveals Climate Change Will Heighten Urban Fire Risks Globally

A new study indicates that climate change will significantly heighten the risk of urban fires worldwide in the upcoming decades. If global warming exceeds 4 degrees Celsius, the study predicts 300,000 fire-related deaths and over a million injuries by 2100. Conversely, limiting warming to below 1.5°C could reduce these numbers substantially. Countries, particularly New Zealand, may see a marked increase in urban fire frequency unless effective mitigation strategies are implemented.

A recent study published in Nature Cities indicates that climate change is likely to increase the frequency of urban fires across the globe. Researchers investigated fire incidents and monthly maximum temperatures from over 2,800 cities in 20 different countries, encompassing more than 20% of the world’s population. The findings suggest grave consequences if global warming exceeds 4 degrees Celsius, including a projected 300,000 fire-related fatalities and over a million injuries by the year 2100.

The study reveals alarming statistics under high-emission scenarios. Specifically, there is an anticipated 22.2% rise in outdoor fires and an 11.6% increase in vehicle fires by 2100. In contrast, building fires may decline by approximately 4.6%. Moreover, for every 1 degree Celsius increase in air temperature, vehicle fires could escalate by 3.3%, while outdoor fires may rise by 6.9%.

The researchers identified a particularly strong correlation between climate change and urban fire incidents in New Zealand, where city fires could potentially increase by as much as 40% by 2100 if warming is not curtailed. They concluded that these insights could inform the formulation of enhanced fire prevention strategies, including better management of fire fuels.

However, the study’s limitations include a lack of data from Africa and South America and an incomplete assessment of the impact of rising electric vehicle usage on vehicle fire statistics. These factors may influence the overall understanding of fire risks associated with climate change.

In summary, the study illustrates a direct correlation between climate change and increased risks of urban fires globally. If left unaddressed, global warming may lead to catastrophic fire-related health impacts, particularly in densely populated areas. The research highlights the urgent need for fire prevention strategies and further data collection to fully understand the implications of climate change on fire incidents.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr