Renewables
Simultaneous heat waves and wildfire smoke surge globally
Over one billion people annually faced combined heat waves and wildfire pollution between 2010 and 2019, according to recent research.
Key points
- Over 1 billion people per year experienced simultaneous heat waves and fire pollution from 2010 to 2019.
- The increase was largely driven by people encountering these conditions more frequently rather than population growth.
- Lower-income countries recorded higher exposure levels and face greater adaptation challenges.
Rising dual exposure
A study published in Science Advances indicates that more than 1 billion individuals annually experienced heat waves alongside wildfire pollution between 2010 and 2019, according to Inside Climate News reporting. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the previous decade.
Lead author Yao Wu stated that the rise is primarily caused by individuals encountering both hazards more frequently rather than simple population growth. Researchers mapped hourly temperature, air quality, and population metrics to assess dual-exposure trends.
Vulnerable regions
The findings show that individuals in nations with fewer resources experienced the highest per-person exposure levels. Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Guatemala, and Burundi recorded the largest per-capita figures. Conversely, populous nations like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo accounted for the majority of total global exposure days.
Experts highlighted that overlapping climate hazards present significant public health risks, noting that combined heat and smoke events can intensify cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. Researchers recommended that policymakers integrate air-quality warnings into heat advisories and improve indoor climate resilience.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
27.8% of electricity in the world was renewable in 2021Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
