Synopsis

Background Wildfires are increasingly threatening human and animal lives, environment, damage to properties, economic activities, insurer losses and costs etc. The situation is aggravated by climate change and La Lina effects, which increases the likelihood of hurricanes in North America, floods in Australia, drought and heatwaves in China, and heavier monsoon rains in parts of South Asia. Wildfires are caused by unattended campfires, burning debris, lightning strikes, fallen electric power lines etc. It is estimated that about 85 percent of wildfires are caused by human activity. Long-lasting dry conditions and extreme heat are contributing to more wildfires every year. In the U.S., western states have become hotter and drier and their wildfire seasons are longer and will very likely grow even longer.