Wildfires, heatwaves endanger air quality, health: UN
The World Meteorological Organization reports that wildfires and heatwaves are increasingly undermining global air quality. These events release toxic particulate matter that poses significant health risks.
Why it matters
It highlights the feedback loop between climate change and public health, emphasizing the need for better monitoring of pollutants.
AFP Residents and firefighters work to extinguish an advancing wildfire near Formariz in Zamora province, Spain, July 29, 2026. REUTERS Wildfires and heatwaves, which generate microscopic airborne pollutants, risk undermining international efforts to improve air quality, protect human health and safeguard nature, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday.
The United Nations' weather and climate agency underlined the links between air pollution and climate change, which scientists say is leading to more frequent and more intense heatwaves and wildfires.
"Extreme wildfires are increasing, leading to big health consequences because of the high toxicity of smoke," the WMO said in a statement accompanying its latest annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.
"Whilst regulations in Europe and North America have reduced industrial and transport PM2.5 emissions, exposure to fire-related PM2.5 has increased."
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