UN Warns of Wildfires Creating Global Air Quality Crisis

Wildfires are generating a “witches’ brew” of pollutants that threaten air quality across vast distances, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In its fifth annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, released on March 15, 2024, the UN agency highlighted the urgent need to address both climate change and air pollution as interconnected issues.

The report emphasizes that wildfires in regions such as the **Amazon**, **Canada**, and **Siberia** can have far-reaching effects, impacting air quality even in locations far from the source of the blaze. WMO Deputy Secretary-General **Ko Barrett** stated, “Climate impacts and air pollution respect no national borders.” This situation worsens as extreme heat and drought conditions fuel wildfires, which in turn degrade air quality for millions around the globe.

Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality

The bulletin outlines the significant role of tiny particles known as aerosols in contributing to air pollution. Specifically, particles with a diameter of less than **2.5 micrometres (PM 2.5)** have been identified as particularly harmful, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system. The WMO reported that wildfires in **2024** led to above-average PM 2.5 levels in regions such as **Canada**, **Siberia**, and **central Africa**. Notably, the **Amazon basin** recorded the most substantial surge in these harmful particles.

According to WMO Scientific Officer **Lorenzo Labrador**, the wildfire season is becoming “stronger and longer every year as a result of climate change.” He highlighted that wildfires in Canada have caused air pollution across the Atlantic, affecting air quality in **Europe**. “What we have from these fires is essentially a witches’ brew of components that pollute the air,” he explained during a press conference.

The **World Health Organization** estimates that air pollution is responsible for over **4.5 million** premature deaths each year. The WMO is calling for enhanced monitoring and improved policies to protect human health and the environment, as well as to mitigate agricultural and economic losses.

Regional Pollution and Mitigation Efforts

The report identifies pollution hotspots, particularly in **northern India**. The **Indo-Gangetic Plain**, home to more than **900 million** people, has experienced a significant rise in air pollution, with increasing episodes of winter fog attributed largely to agricultural biomass burning. The WMO noted, “Persistence of fog is no longer a simple, seasonal weather event — it is a symptom of escalating human impact on the environment.”

In contrast, the bulletin revealed promising trends in **eastern China**, where PM 2.5 levels continued to decline in **2023** due to sustained mitigation measures. **Paolo Laj**, the WMO’s global atmosphere chief, remarked on the positive outcomes of proactive air quality measures. “When countries take measures to combat poor air quality, the improvement can be clearly seen in meteorological data,” he stated. He pointed to cities in **Europe**, **Shanghai**, and **Beijing** as examples where air quality has significantly improved over the past decade.

Laj emphasized that there is no single solution to achieving drastic changes. While transitioning to electric vehicles is beneficial, he noted, “when measures are taken, it works.” He reflected on the progress made in the past 20 years, stating, “We don’t realize what we were breathing in 20 years ago, but it was much worse than today.”

As global air quality continues to deteriorate due to the impacts of climate change and human activity, the findings from the WMO serve as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action to confront these challenges. The health of millions depends on the commitment to improving air quality and addressing the underlying causes of pollution.