The forest fires are a major threat to air quality worldwide, according to a recent announcement by the World Meteorological Organization (Wmo). It is emphasized that flames emit a ‘Toxic mixture’ pollutants, with the impact being felt even thousands of kilometers from the original outbreak.

WMO, UN service, points out that downgrading the atmosphere is directly linked to climate change. It is reported that these are two interrelated issues that require common treatment.

The analysis of the fires that broke out in large areas in the Amazon, Canada and Siberia has offered scientists valuable knowledge of how pollution spreads globally, as presented in the fifth annual WMO quality and climate quality newsletter.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Organization, Mr. Baret, stressed that “Climate change and air pollution do not know borders”. At the same time, prolonged heat and drought that boost forest fires dramatically exacerbate conditions, further deteriorating the quality of life for millions of people.

WMO highlights the important interaction between air pollution and climate, with emphasis on microparticles (“Aerosols”) released by fires, winter fog, gas emissions that boost the greenhouse effect from shipping and urban pollution.

In particular, the microparticles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) are considered particularly dangerous as they penetrate deep into the respiratory and cardiovascular system of humans.

In 2024, fires caused a significant increase in PM 2.5 above the average in Canada, Siberia, Central Africa – with the highest change in the Amazon region.

Cross -border impact on public health

WMO scientific director Lorenzo Lambrador stressed that “The period of fires becomes more intense every year and lasts longer” as a consequence of climate change. As he said, the massive fires in Canada caused increased air pollution in Europe both last year and this year, stressing that favorable weather conditions can carry dangerous substances to many continents.

The fires ‘Produce a toxic mixture of ingredients that infect air’they reflect the organization’s estimates. World Health Organization’s data (WHERE) They put the problem at the center, as air pollution causes more than 4.5 million premature deaths a year, with severe impacts on the environment and the global economy.

WMO calls on strengthening pollutants’ monitoring and the formation of more effective human health and ecosystem policies, in order to reduce serious economic losses.

Examples of successful treatment

Improving air quality is possible when substantial measures are taken, Paulo Laz is noted by WMO. “Look at Europe, Shanghai, Beijing or American cities – many of them have recorded a significant reduction in pollution in recent years.”he says.

Particular reference is made to China, where according to him, “In a decade, the main cities have been able to dramatically improve air quality”achieving remarkable results. Although there is no global solution, such as the transition to electric vehicles, the adoption of targeted actions always benefits.

In Europe, it is typically noted that “We often ignore how much worse the situation was about twenty years ago” compared to today, confirming the effectiveness of political intervention.