Climate Change Heightens Urban Fire Risks Globally, New Study Reveals

A recent study reveals that climate change is expected to significantly increase the risk of urban fires worldwide, predicting 300,000 fire-related deaths by 2100 if temperatures rise above 4 degrees Celsius. Limiting warming can halve this impact. The study indicates a notable rise in outdoor and vehicle fires while highlighting the need for improved fire management strategies.

A recent study published in Nature Cities highlights the escalating risk of urban fires globally due to climate change. Researchers analyzed fire data and monthly maximum temperatures from over 2,800 cities across 20 nations, representing over 20% of the world’s population. They warn that if global temperatures exceed 4 degrees Celsius, the resultant conditions could lead to an estimated 300,000 fire-related deaths and more than a million injuries by the year 2100. By contrast, limiting warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius could cut these impacts by half.

The study predicts a significant increase in outdoor and vehicle fires, with outdoor fires potentially rising by 22.2% and vehicle fires by 11.6% by the end of the century under a high-emission scenario. Notably, building fires may decrease by 4.6%. Furthermore, the research indicates that for every 1 degree Celsius rise in air temperature, outdoor fires could increase by 6.9%, with vehicle fires rising 3.3%.

The strongest correlation between climate change and urban fire incidents was found in New Zealand, where unmitigated warming could result in a 40% increase in city fires by 2100. The researchers advocate for improved fire prevention strategies, particularly in fire fuel management, to mitigate these risks. However, the analysis acknowledges a lack of comprehensive data from Africa and South America and the potential influence of rising electric vehicle usage on fire occurrences.

The study on climate change and urban fires underscores a growing global threat, particularly if temperatures exceed 4 degrees Celsius. Fire-related deaths and injuries could be substantial, but proactive measures, such as limiting warming and enhancing fire management strategies, could reduce these impacts. Policymakers and city planners are encouraged to integrate these findings to better address the rising risk of urban fires in the face of climate change.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr