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How does climate change make wildfires worse?
Climate change leads to higher temperatures and drier conditions, creating the perfect environment for larger and more frequent wildfires. These hotter, drier conditions dry out vegetation, making it more flammable and increasing the risk of massive fires that can spread rapidly across regions.
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What is the connection between fossil fuels and air pollution?
Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases pollutants such as PM2.5 particles into the air. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health problems. Wildfires also produce large amounts of PM2.5, adding to the air pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion.
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What policies can help reduce climate-related wildfires and pollution?
Effective policies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, enforcing stricter emissions standards, investing in wildfire prevention and firefighting resources, and promoting sustainable land management. These measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the severity of wildfires and pollution.
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How urgent is the need for climate action?
The urgency is high. New data shows that pollution from wildfires and fossil fuels threatens the health of over 1.6 billion people worldwide. Without immediate action, climate change will continue to worsen, leading to more severe wildfires, increased air pollution, and devastating health impacts globally.
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Can technology help track and reduce wildfire pollution?
Yes, advanced satellite and AI tools like those from Climate Trace now monitor pollution sources in real-time. These technologies help identify hotspots of wildfire smoke and fossil fuel emissions, informing policies and empowering communities to take action to reduce pollution and protect public health.