How did global heating affect the wildfires in Chile and Argentina?

Researchers found that global heating made the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fueled the wildfires approximately three times more likely.

What were the consequences of the wildfires in Chile?

The wildfires in Chile resulted in 23 fatalities, the destruction of over 1,000 homes, and forced 52,000 people to flee their residences.

Which ancient forests were affected by the fires in Argentina?

The fires impacted Argentina's Los Alerces national park in Patagonia, a habitat for ancient alerce trees that can live for over 3,000 years.

Home / Environment / Climate Crisis Fueled Deadly Chile/Argentina Wildfires

Climate Crisis Fueled Deadly Chile/Argentina Wildfires

11 Feb

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Summary

Global heating made wildfires three times more likely, researchers found.
Fires in Chile killed 23 people and destroyed over 1,000 homes.
Ancient Patagonian forests devastated by fires exacerbated by climate change.

Climate Crisis Fueled Deadly Chile/Argentina Wildfires

Wildfires in Chile and Argentina, which resulted in 23 fatalities, were significantly intensified by global heating, a new study reveals. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution consortium determined that the hot, dry, and windy conditions conducive to the fires were made about three times more likely due to human-caused carbon emissions.

Chile experienced severe consequences, with the Biobío and Ñuble regions declared a "state of catastrophe." The fires claimed 23 lives, destroyed over 1,000 homes, and displaced 52,000 residents amidst temperatures exceeding 37C and strong winds.

In Argentina, the fires impacted Patagonia's Los Alerces national park, a sanctuary for ancient alerce trees exceeding 3,000 years in age. Experts noted that government budget cuts to fire management services, coupled with a perceived disregard for climate change, likely worsened the impact on the region's unique biodiversity and people.