Vicious cycle of climate change, wildfires, air pollution have 'spiraling negative impact' on planet: Report

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - A vicious cycle of climate change, wildfires and air pollution is having a “spiraling negative impact” on human health, ecosystems and agriculture, said a report released Thursday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The report, titled Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, detailed the negative impact of climate change and air pollution on the environment and human health.

"Ambient air pollution causes more than 4.5 million premature deaths annually and wreaks a high economic and environmental cost," said the report, the fourth in an annual series, that explores the intricate relationship between air quality and climate.

“The chemical species that lead to a degradation in air quality are normally co-emitted with greenhouse gases. Thus, changes in one inevitably cause changes in the other,” it added.

WMO Deputy-Secretary-General Ko Barrett underlined that climate change and air quality cannot be treated separately as they go hand-in-hand and must be tackled together.

"It would be a win-win situation for the health of our planet, its people and our economies, to recognize the inter-relationship and act accordingly," she said.

Pointing out that intense heat and persistent droughts are fueling the risk of wildfires and air pollution, Barrett said that climate change means that we face this scenario with “increasing frequency.”

“Interdisciplinary science and research is key to finding solutions," she added.