Climate change wildfires: A fiery new normal

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 13, 2021

Insight summary

The escalating climate change crisis, marked by rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, is leading to an alarming increase in devastating wildfires worldwide. These fires not only disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity but also pose significant threats to human settlements, requiring changes in how we construct and maintain our homes and businesses. The broader implications of these climate-induced wildfires include demographic shifts away from fire-prone regions, economic strain due to diverted resources, advancements in fire detection technology, and potential health issues related to air quality.

Context around climate change-induced wildfires

The United Nations’ (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2021 that climate change is inevitable and irreparable. The increase in global temperatures is much faster than scientists initially predicted, with the point of no return arriving a decade early. An unprecedented number of climate hazards corroborate these findings. For instance, wildfires are devastating California and Greece, and several countries are suffering record-high temperatures, floods, and droughts. 

Experts have been talking about the disastrous implications of climate change for decades. However, IPCC’s statement has been clear: There is an “unequivocal” connection between global warming and extreme weather and climate hazards, including a drastic increase in wildfires globally. Similarly, some experts wonder if summer 2021 was a one-time occurrence or if a new pattern of extreme weather events is emerging.  

Just in 2021, the globe suffered several wildfires in regions like California, Greece, Turkey, and Siberia’s Sakha Republic. Unfortunately, the wildfires have had devastating consequences on people’s lives and livelihoods. For example, the wildfires in Turkey displaced thousands of people from their homes. Additionally, wildfires in Siberia have been active for many months, and smoke has now reached the North Pole. In Greece, the wildfires threaten ancient sites, burning down homes and large swaths of the country’s forests. 

Disruptive impact 

As wildfires ravage forests, they disrupt the habitats of countless species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This loss of biodiversity can upset the balance of ecosystems, leading to unforeseen consequences such as the proliferation of pests and diseases. Furthermore, the destruction of forests can lead to soil erosion, which can worsen flooding and landslides, further destabilizing the environment and posing risks to human settlements.

The increasing threat of wildfires requires a shift in how we build and maintain our homes and businesses. Homeowners, particularly those in fire-prone areas, may need to invest in fire-resistant materials and landscaping to protect their properties. Companies, especially those in the agriculture and forestry sectors, may need to adapt their practices to reduce the risk of wildfires and to ensure the sustainability of their operations. For instance, they could implement controlled burns to reduce the amount of combustible material and invest in more resilient crop varieties.

Governments may need to take a proactive role in managing the risks associated with wildfires. This management could involve developing comprehensive strategies that include prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Governments could also invest in infrastructure improvements to reduce the risk of wildfires, such as upgrading electrical grids to prevent sparks that can ignite fires. Additionally, they could provide incentives for individuals and businesses to adopt fire-safe practices.

Implications of climate change-induced wildfires

Wider implications of climate change-induced wildfires may include:

• An increase of climate refugees who will need to be cared for and eventually relocated to less fire-prone regions.


• Governments modernizing public infrastructure to be increasingly fire-resistant and in new firefighting equipment, vehicles, and personnel for year-round use.


• Insurance companies gradually stopping to provide fire insurance offerings in fire-prone regions, impacting where businesses and individuals choose to settle.


• Individuals gradually moving away from fire-prone regions and settling in areas that are more climate insulated. 


• Significant economic implications diverting funds from other critical areas like education and healthcare, and affecting the overall economic health of a nation.


• The development of advanced fire detection and suppression systems.


• A growing demand for professionals in fields related to wildfire management and recovery, such as forestry, emergency response, and environmental restoration.


• Changes in water cycles due to vegetation loss, which can affect water availability and quality, leading to water scarcity issues.


• Increasing respiratory healthcare issues as the quality of air worsens.

Questions to consider

• Should more stringent fire-resistant building codes be enacted for building infrastructure in regions that are prone to wildfires? 


• Have you or people you know been impacted by wildfires or any other form of extreme weather event?