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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Ajit Niranjan

Without action wildfires in Europe will increase 39% even in best-case climate scenario, study finds

Belgian firefighters walk through a smoky, burned forest, one holding a hose, tackling a wildfire
Belgian firefighters in a forest affected by a wildfire in Waimes, in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) region. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

Wildfires are projected to burn 39% more of Europe by the end of the century even in the best-case scenario for stopping the planet from heating, a study has found, unless action is taken to manage them better.

The increase in hot, dry and windy weather that leads to small fires turning into raging infernos is to engulf more of Europe as carbon pollution pushes temperatures higher. In the worst-case scenario the researchers modelled, which would see global heating reach 3.6C above preindustrial levels, the burnt area would almost triple.

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