As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, Asia faces a growing threat of devastating wildfires. Recent events in Chile, where deadly wildfires claimed the lives of at least 133 people, serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that climate change poses to regions worldwide, including Asia.
Chile’s wildfires, the deadliest natural disaster in the country since the 2010 earthquake that killed about 500 people, were fueled by strong winds and high temperatures. These conditions accelerated the spread of fires into populated areas, causing widespread destruction around the cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.
An international group of scientists from World Weather Attribution analyzed the conditions that led to Chile’s fires. While the immediate spike in temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric dryness was not directly attributed to global warming or the El Niño phenomenon, the scientists warned that such conditions are expected to become more frequent and intense with ongoing climate change.
“We expect a lot of these fires to happen in the future,” said Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London’s Grantham Institute and co-author of the study. The research highlights that with global temperatures projected to rise up to 2.9 degrees Celsius this century, fire-prone weather is likely to intensify, increasing the risk of such disasters.
Asia, home to diverse ecosystems and rapidly growing urban populations, is not immune to these threats. Countries like Indonesia, China, and India have experienced severe wildfires in recent years. Factors such as deforestation, land-use changes, and inadequate urban planning exacerbate the situation, making densely populated areas more vulnerable.
Mauricio Santos of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre emphasized the role of human activities in increasing wildfire risks. “We found that the most devastating fires happened in areas with significant land-use changes and where urban planning was inadequate,” he noted. The expansion of plantations and urban encroachment into forested areas diminish natural firebreaks, heightening the potential for catastrophic fires.
For Asia, the lessons from Chile are clear. There is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address climate change mitigation and adaptation. Implementing better warning systems, evacuation plans, and fire-resistant infrastructure are crucial steps in safeguarding communities. Moreover, sustainable land management practices can help restore natural barriers against fires.
With global temperatures projected to rise further, the time to act is now. Collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and communities are essential to build resilience against the growing threat of wildfires. By learning from global experiences and prioritizing sustainable development, Asia can work towards protecting its people and environment from future disasters.
Reference(s):
Chile risks repeat of deadly wildfires because of climate change
cgtn.com
