Climate change is intensifying wildfires, significantly increasing the health risks from smoke inhalation, according to a new study.
Christopher Flavelle reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- A new study predicts more than 125 million Americans will face unhealthy air pollution by mid-century due to increased wildfire smoke.
- Wildfire smoke, linked to heart and lung diseases, presents challenges in prediction and protection.
- Air pollution in the U.S. has worsened since 2016, primarily due to climate change-enhanced wildfires and rising ozone levels.
Key quote:
"With wildfire smoke in particular, we are not going to adapt our way out of the problem."
— Brian G. Henning, director of the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, Gonzaga University.
Why this matters:
This escalating threat of wildfire smoke is crucial for public health, with implications for long-term health outcomes, particularly for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It underscores the urgent need for climate action and improved public health strategies, highlighting a critical aspect of national environmental and health policy.
