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How does climate change make wildfires worse?
Climate change leads to higher temperatures and prolonged droughts, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. In 2025, Europe experienced its worst wildfire season on record, with heatwaves made 30-40 times more likely due to global warming. Dry, overgrown forests and rural depopulation have also increased fire fuel loads, making wildfires more intense and harder to control.
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What other natural disasters are linked to climate change?
Climate change is connected to an increase in hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Rising global temperatures cause sea levels to rise, leading to more severe coastal flooding. Additionally, warmer oceans fuel stronger storms, while droughts and heatwaves become more frequent and intense, impacting ecosystems and communities worldwide.
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Can we prevent climate-related disasters?
While we can't eliminate all natural disasters, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting sustainable land management can lessen their severity. Governments and communities are working on disaster preparedness plans, but urgent action on climate change is essential to prevent the worst impacts and protect vulnerable populations.
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What are the latest climate change predictions?
Recent climate models predict that global temperatures could rise by 1.5°C to 2°C by the end of the century if current emission trends continue. This would lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and wildfires, with some regions experiencing conditions that only occurred once every 500 years in preindustrial times becoming annual events.
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How does rural depopulation affect wildfire risks?
Rural depopulation has led to neglected forests and overgrown land, increasing fuel loads for wildfires. Without regular land management, these areas become more vulnerable to large, uncontrollable fires, especially during heatwaves intensified by climate change.
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What can individuals do to help reduce climate change?
Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using energy more efficiently, supporting renewable energy sources, and advocating for policies that address climate change. Small actions, when multiplied across communities, can contribute to significant change in reducing the severity of natural disasters.