Air Pollution from Fires Causes 1.5 Mln Deaths Annually

A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet has linked air pollution caused by fires to over 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide.

The findings spotlight the devastating health impacts of smoke and particulates, which disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries.

The study identifies China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria as the nations with the highest mortality rates from fire-related air pollution.

Researchers warned that the death toll is likely to rise as climate change fuels more frequent and severe wildfires.

From 2000 to 2019, heart-related conditions alone accounted for 450,000 annual deaths linked to polluted air, while respiratory illnesses contributed an additional 220,000 fatalities.

The report reveals that more than 90% of these pollution-related deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries, with nearly 40% concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.

The authors highlighted the "climate injustice" these regions face, as wealthier nations contribute significantly to climate change but poorer countries bear the brunt of its consequences.

The study’s authors have called for immediate global efforts to tackle pollution-related deaths, stressing the urgency of addressing both air quality and climate change.

At COP29, wealthy nations pledged $300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035—a figure falling short of what developing countries had anticipated.

South Asia was enveloped in toxic smog earlier this month, shutting down schools and causing severe travel disruptions in New Delhi, India, due to crop burning and industrial emissions.

Ecuador declared a 60-day emergency to combat forest fires and drought, with 13 active wildfires reported.

Research from Germany and Brazil revealed that policies to curb Amazon deforestation result in significant health benefits.