In Chile, unprecedented wildfires, fueled by climate change and El Niño, are ravaging the landscape, marking a new era of environmental challenges.
Scott Dance reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Chile, traditionally prepared for natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, is now facing a new threat: devastating wildfires exacerbated by climate change.
- Recent fires, among the deadliest in over a century, have been driven by extreme heat and drought, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation and response strategies.
- The combination of human activities, climate change, and natural weather patterns like El Niño is creating increasingly dangerous fire conditions in South America.
Key quote:
"The effects of global warming on the weather cannot be ignored anymore."
— Raúl Cordero, climate scientist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands
Why this matters:
These wildfires in Chile underscore the dire consequences of climate change on health and safety. They serve as a reminder of the growing need for global awareness and action against climate-related disasters, which are becoming more frequent and severe worldwide.
Up to 90% of wildfires we're seeing today are caused by human activity, highlighting a need for human intervention in both climate change and safe outdoor practices.
