Climate Change-Driven Wildfires Caused 15,000 US Deaths

A new study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment found that wildfires intensified by human-driven climate change caused an estimated 15,000 deaths and $160 billion in economic losses in the U.S. between 2006 and 2020. These impacts are primarily linked to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, which is particularly dangerous to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant people, and outdoor workers. Annual deaths ranged from 130 to over 5,000, with Oregon and California among the hardest hit states. The study is notable for isolating the impact of climate change on wildfire-related deaths. Evidence suggests PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is especially harmful, particularly when wildfires burn urban materials. Experts warn that these findings highlight urgent health and economic risks as climate change fuels more frequent and severe wildfires.