Over 90% of global deaths linked to air pollution caused by landscape fires occur in low- and middle-income countries, according to a study published in The Lancet. The research underscores significant geographic and socioeconomic disparities in the health impacts of landscape fires, with India, China, Indonesia, and sub-Saharan African nations among the most affected.
Key Findings
The study highlights that landscape fires, including wildfires and those caused by human activities, are a major contributor to air pollution, which poses long-term health risks. These fires occur in both natural and built-up areas, producing harmful pollutants that lead to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
According to the researchers, approximately 450,000 deaths annually are attributed to heart-related conditions caused by air pollution from these fires, while an additional 220,000 deaths are linked to respiratory diseases. This translates to a significant global burden of disease, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.
“The vast majority of deaths from landscape fire-related air pollution occur in developing countries, reflecting deep inequalities in exposure and healthcare access,” said the researchers from Monash University, Australia.
Scope of the Study
The analysis utilised data from 204 countries and territories over a 19-year period (2000–2019), drawing on the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases Study, coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, US. This dataset is one of the most comprehensive global assessments of health impacts over time.
Additionally, the Global Fire Emissions Database was employed to estimate fire emissions and their contribution to air pollution.
Regional Disparities
The study revealed stark inequalities in how landscape fires affect public health. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the health burden, accounting for the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths.
India and China, with their large populations and frequent exposure to forest fires, crop residue burning, and urban pollution, were identified as major hotspots. Indonesia and sub-Saharan Africa were also significantly affected, with limited access to healthcare and poor air quality monitoring exacerbating the problem.
In contrast, high-income countries experience a smaller proportion of these deaths, owing to better fire management, healthcare systems, and pollution control measures.
Socioeconomic and Climate Implications
The study emphasises the need to address the socioeconomic factors contributing to the disparity in death rates. Researchers called for financial and technological support from high-income nations to help vulnerable developing countries tackle the issue.
“Reducing deaths from landscape fire-related air pollution will require global efforts, particularly from wealthier nations, to provide resources and expertise to those most affected,” the team noted.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of integrating climate mitigation and adaptation policies to manage the health impacts of these fires.
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Call to Action
The findings stress the urgency of coordinated global action to reduce the harmful effects of landscape fires. Key recommendations include:
- Strengthening Fire Management: Developing and implementing fire prevention and control strategies, particularly in fire-prone regions.
- Improving Air Quality Monitoring: Enhancing the capacity of low-income countries to monitor and respond to hazardous air pollution levels.
- Climate Action: Accelerating efforts to mitigate climate change, which exacerbates the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
- Socioeconomic Support: Providing financial and technological assistance to developing nations to reduce vulnerability and improve healthcare access.
The Bigger Picture
The study underscores the growing health threat posed by landscape fires in the context of climate change and urbanisation. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and severity of wildfires are expected to increase, further worsening air quality and health outcomes.
Researchers warn that without urgent action, the death toll from landscape fire-related air pollution is likely to rise, with the most vulnerable populations continuing to suffer disproportionately.
The study offers a stark reminder of the inequalities in global health and the pressing need for international collaboration to address the root causes of pollution-related deaths. Tackling the dual challenges of air pollution and climate change will require sustained efforts from all nations, with a focus on supporting those most at risk.
As the world grapples with the consequences of environmental degradation, the findings serve as a call to prioritise equitable solutions that protect the health of vulnerable populations while addressing the broader challenges of climate change.
