Climate Change Significantly Heightens Urban Fire Risks Worldwide

A recent study reveals that climate change is likely to increase urban fire risks globally. If global temperatures exceed 4°C, fire-related deaths could reach 300,000 by 2100. The study suggests significant rises in outdoor and vehicle fires while acknowledging limitations in regional data and electric vehicle impacts.

A recent study published in the journal Nature Cities indicates that climate change is likely to escalate the risk of urban fires globally in the upcoming decades. Researchers analyzed fire incidents and monthly temperature data from more than 2,800 cities across 20 countries, representing over 20% of the global populace. Their findings reveal that if global warming exceeds 4 degrees Celsius, approximately 300,000 fire-related deaths and over one million injuries could occur by the year 2100. In contrast, limiting temperature rise to under 1.5 degrees Celsius may halve these potential impacts.

The study forecasts a significant increase in fire occurrences under high-emission scenarios. Specifically, outdoor fires are projected to rise by 22.2%, while vehicle fires may increase by 11.6% by 2100, despite a predicted 4.6% decline in building fires. For every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature, vehicle fires could surge by 3.3%, with outdoor fires rising by 6.9%. The research emphasizes the direct correlation between higher temperatures and the frequency of various fire types, including those in buildings and vehicles.

The analysis underscores that New Zealand may face the most severe impacts, with urban fire rates potentially increasing by 40% by the year 2100 if global warming remains unmitigated beyond 4 degrees Celsius. The researchers advocate that these insights will help inform the development of enhanced fire prevention strategies, particularly through better management of fire fuel.

However, the study acknowledges certain limitations, specifically the lack of comprehensive data from Africa and South America. It is noted as well that the research may not fully account for the changing dynamics of vehicle fires due to the rise in electric vehicle usage.

In summary, this research underscores the heightened risk of urban fires attributable to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures. The stark predictions regarding fire-related fatalities and injuries underlines the importance of climate mitigation efforts, particularly in limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The findings call for proactive strategies to manage fire fuel and equip urban areas for future challenges.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr