• May 1, 2024

Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Climate Change: A Critical Connection

Supriya Rai, May 01,2024

Although fire in forests can be a natural part of the ecosystem, it becomes alarming when it occurs continuously and with increasing intensity. On top of this, there is a lot of damage caused by fires deliberately set by people. The fire, which is set by the popular belief of burning the old leaves and growing new trees, affects the condition of humans, birds, animals and nature itself.

Wildfire smoke is a noxious mixture of gases and fine particles that can cause breathing problems, aggravate conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and even lead to heart disease. Dependent populations in forested areas are particularly at risk, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The fire cuts that are happening all over the country have increased the loss of people’s wealth. Just yesterday, on April 30,  two people lost their lives while extinguishing a fire in Tapeshwar Community Forest in Godavari Municipality-4 Badikhel of Lalitpur. One of them died of stroke and another died during the treatment. These incidents are just examples, the number of such incidents are countless throughout Nepal.

Harmful smoke when mixed in the air creates the following types of effects:

1) Wildfire Intensity: Climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of wildfires in many regions around the world. High temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changes in rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for severe and frequent wildfires. As wildfires grow, the smoke they produce also poses health risks to nearby communities.

2) Ecological Consequences: Climate change increases ecological impacts by altering ecosystems and disrupting biodiversity. The increasing frequency of wildfires and the intensity of pollution also have an impact on water purification, soil fertility and carbon sequestration. These ecological barriers have a negative impact on wild animals, birds and plants. There is also a problem in the matter of taking away their habitat, increasing the process of extinction and adjusting the ecological balance.

3) Deteriorates air quality: Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles (PM2.5) that can travel long distances from the source of the fire. These pollutants can directly enter the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing a complication of health problems. Especially respiratory and cardiac problems.

Climate change can further contribute to forest fire smoke particles and their spread. This affects the air quality in large areas for a long time.

4) Health problems: Climate change-induced wildfires and their associated smoke have direct and indirect effects on public health. Serious health effects of fire smoke exposure include asthma and other respiratory conditions, bronchitis, pneumonia, and heart problems. Long-term exposure to high levels of wildfire smoke also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions over time.

Minority populations, children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk.

Likewise, loss of property, and uncertainty about the future can have profound psychological effects on individuals and communities. Which increases stress, anxiety and trauma and increases mental health challenges.

5) Socio-Economic Disruptions: Climate change-induced fire and smoke risks can disrupt community livelihoods, cause economic hardship through property damage, job losses, and strain on health care systems. This exacerbates existing socio-economic inequalities and requires more support and assistance to affected communities to rebuild infrastructure and diversify local economies.

Amidst these challenges, there is reason for optimism. By understanding the close relationship between wildfire smoke exposure and climate change, we can develop strategies to reduce risks, from improved wildfire management to collective efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. Through informed action and a commitment to climate-conscious practices, we can protect our communities and protect public health in the face of this growing threat.