Wildfires and heat waves pose growing threat to air quality globally

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has sounded an alarm over deteriorating air quality linked to intensifying wildfires and heat waves, urging countries to strengthen cooperation in addressing the crisis.

Wildfires fuelled by extreme temperatures are releasing massive volumes of smoke and particulates into the atmosphere, affecting air quality far beyond immediate fire zones. The organisation noted that these events are becoming more frequent and severe, with impacts extending across national borders and affecting millions of people in populated regions.

The WMO emphasised that tackling the problem requires coordinated efforts among nations to monitor air quality, share early warning systems, and implement measures to reduce both wildfire risks and greenhouse gas emissions driving global temperature increases.

Countries in South and Southeast Asia, which experience seasonal haze from transboundary fires, are among regions most vulnerable to these air quality threats. The agency stressed that without urgent joint action, the health and environmental impacts will continue to escalate, placing increasing strain on public health systems and economies across affected areas.