Climate Crisis Projected to Increase Lightning-Sparked Wildfires in U.S.

Climate Crisis Projected to Increase Lightning-Sparked Wildfires in U.S.
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A new study and expert analysis suggest that the climate crisis is poised to significantly increase the frequency, size, and danger of lightning-sparked wildfires, particularly in the western United States.

According to a report from The Guardian, a machine-learning study found that 98% of the western U.S. will face an increased risk of these fires. This rise is attributed to a combination of more frequent lightning strikes and weather conditions that are more conducive to fires. As a result, public health is expected to be negatively impacted by increased wildfire smoke and worsening air quality across the country.

Dmitri Kalashnikov, the study’s author, warned of the serious implications of this trend, including a potential surge in smoke-related deaths and a heavy strain on firefighting resources. The article also notes that while some regions will experience an increased fire risk due to drought, others may see more lightning in a moister environment, leading to only a slight rise in fire risk. To mitigate this growing problem, the report suggests partial solutions could include adapting building practices and creating agricultural buffers in fire-prone areas.