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Wildfires destroyed 2.2 million hectares of land in the WHO\u2019s European Region in 2025 \u2013 up from 1.4 million hectares in 2022.<\/p>\n
In Spain and Portugal alone, the number of wildfires has more than doubled since last year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Madrid declared a national emergency on Friday as wildfires near the capital forced 10,000 people to evacuate. The head of the regional government said these fires are the worst ever.<\/p>\n In southern France, about 63,000 people evacuated<\/strong> following multiple fires that have already destroyed about 80 homes, according to national authorities.<\/p>\n \u201cWildfires destroy homes and livelihoods, force evacuations, and place enormous pressure on emergency services and health systems,\u201d the WHO wrote in a\u00a0press release. \u201cTragically, they also claim lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Climate change is intensifying wildfires and increasing their frequency<\/strong>, WHO said.<\/p>\n This is because temperatures are rising along with drier conditions and increasing urbanization, which in turn extends the length of the wildfire season.<\/p>\n Meanwhile,\u00a0Simon Stiell, the UN\u2019s top climate change official, said on Friday that the key to protecting people from escalating climate disasters \u2013 including wildfires \u2013 is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.<\/p>\n \u201cAction now is the basis of long-term peace and security around the world,\u201d Mr. Stiell said.<\/p>\n Smoke from wildfires can worsen heart and respiratory conditions<\/strong>, especially for older people, children, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases, WHO warned.<\/p>\n Particulate matter from wildfire smoke contributes to conditions including lung diseases, liver diseases and eye infections, as well as cognitive impairment and memory loss,\u00a0according to the WHO.<\/p>\n Wildfires can also disrupt access to healthcare and other public services and affect mental health.<\/p>\nFuelling the fires<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Energy transition<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Impacts beyond the flames<\/strong><\/h3>\n