Record-Breaking Wildfire Pollution Deaths and Implications for Climate Action

Strategic Insights -

A devastating record has been set in air pollution deaths from wildfires, with 154,000 fatalities worldwide last year, a 36% increase over the 2003-12 average. The alarming figure is part of a comprehensive survey on the health impact of climate change, The Lancet Countdown, which assessed 20 climate-related health impacts and found 12 had reached record levels. Heat-related deaths rose by 23% since the 1990s, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change reported a record-breaking 154,000 deaths globally from inhaling wildfire smoke last year, a 36% increase over the 2003-12 average.
  • The study, informed by 128 experts, found 12 out of 20 assessed climate-related health impacts reached record levels, including heat-related deaths up by 23% since the 1990s.
  • Last year saw 13.5 million hectares of forest burn, equivalent in size to the country of Greece.
  • An analysis by the UN found that, even with all countries meeting their climate targets, the world's carbon emissions will fall by only 10% by 2035, a significant gap from the required reduction to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.
  • Britain has pledged to cut emissions by 81% by 2035, while China aims for a 7-10% reduction during the same period.
  • The United States, set to leave the UN climate talks next year, is expected to hinder progress at Cop30 by trying to delay the introduction of a carbon tax on shipping.
  • The UN's top climate official, Simon Stiell, urged countries to accelerate their climate actions, stating there is a "serious need for more speed and for helping countries take stronger climate actions."

Statistics:

  • 154,000 fatalities from inhaling wildfire smoke globally last year (The Lancet Countdown)
  • 36% increase in deaths from wildfire smoke over the 2003-12 average (The Lancet Countdown)
  • 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s (The Lancet Countdown)
  • 13.5 million hectares of forest burned last year, equivalent in size to Greece (The Lancet Countdown)
  • 10% reduction in the world's carbon emissions expected by 2035, even with all countries meeting their targets (UN analysis)
  • Britain's target: 81% reduction in emissions by 2035 (British government)
  • China's target: 7-10% reduction in emissions by 2035 (Chinese government)
  • 1.5C: the agreed goal to limit warming above pre-industrial temperatures (Paris Agreement)

Sources:

  • The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change
  • UN analysis on climate targets
  • British government: emissions reduction target
  • Chinese government: emissions reduction target
  • Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general
  • Simon Stiell, UN's top climate official