Increase in heat waves, wildfires to worsen air quality, UN agency warns

ANKARA (AA) – The rise of extreme heat and forest fires will likely worsen air quality and put human health in danger over the course of this century, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The link between air pollution and climate change will bring an additional “climate penalty” for hundreds of millions of people around the world, according to the annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

“An anticipated rise in the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves and an associated increase in wildfires this century is likely to worsen air quality, harming human health and ecosystems,” it said.

Evaluating the close links between climate change and air quality while focusing on increasing heat waves and wildfires, the report highlighted that climate change could exacerbate surface ozone pollution, leading to “detrimental health impacts” for millions.

“As the globe warms, wildfires and associated air pollution are expected to increase, even under a low emissions scenario. In addition to human health impacts, this will also affect ecosystems as air pollutants settle from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface,” said Petteri Taalas, the WMO secretary-general.