WILDFIRE SMOKE AND HEAT WAVES THREATEN GLOBAL AIR QUALITY GAINS, WMO WARNS

Tue 08 September 2026:

UN agency says climate change is intensifying pollution and increasing risks to human and ecosystem health

Rising pollution from wildfires and heat waves could undermine international efforts to improve air quality and protect human and environmental health, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned Monday.

In its annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, the UN agency emphasized the strong connection between climate change and air pollution, urging governments to adopt coordinated policies that address both challenges.

The report said extreme wildfire-smoke events have tripled worldwide since the 1990s. It cited research estimating that these events contributed to nearly 100,000 additional deaths each year between 2010 and 2018.

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Wildfire deaths may be underestimated

The WMO warned that conventional risk assessments could underestimate deaths linked to wildfires by as much as 93%.

According to the agency, many models do not sufficiently account for the greater toxicity of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, produced by fires.

“Meeting the World Health Organization air quality guidelines will become progressively more difficult, since extreme fire weather is expected to increase in the future,” the bulletin said.

Heat waves intensify ozone pollution

Heat waves are also contributing to higher levels of ground-level ozone. Increased temperatures, stagnant air and strong sunlight create conditions that accelerate ozone formation.

The WMO said health risks associated with ozone pollution are expected to grow, potentially causing tens of thousands of additional premature deaths.

The bulletin also urged stronger monitoring of pollutants such as black carbon and atmospheric microplastics to improve understanding of their effects on air quality, climate and public health.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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