Climate change is increasing wildfires globally

di-fire-stock-112020
Philip Pacheco/Bloomberg
Complimentary Access Pill
Enjoy complimentary access to top ideas and insights — selected by our editors.

Extreme wildfire events have more than doubled in frequency, according to researchers who studied satellite observations over a 21-year period. Extreme events occurred on all continents except Antarctica and climate change is exacerbating the conditions which lead to extreme fires. 

The study was published in Nature Ecology and Evolution. Calum X. Cunningham, Grant J. Williamson and David M.J.S. Bowman from the University of Tasmania, Australia were the authors. 

Although the total burned area on Earth is declining, according to the data, fire behavior is worsening in several areas. Study results indicate the intensity and frequency is increasing, especially in carbon-rich boreal and conifer forests in the northern hemisphere. The last seven years have included the six most extreme years for wildfires. 

Digital Insurance reported on severe weather events increasing in frequency and how carriers are adopting digital tools as a proactive measure. 

Also, a debate between insurers and policyholders on the proposed California Sustainable Insurance Strategy.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Climate change Natural disasters Insurtech
MORE FROM DIGITAL INSURANCE