How climate change worsens heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and floods

Fires happen naturally in many parts of the world.

It is difficult to know if climate change has caused or worsened a specific wildfire because other factors are also relevant, such as changes to the way land is used.

But climate change is making the weather conditions needed for wildfires to spread more likely, the IPCC says, external.

Extreme, long-lasting heat draws more moisture out of soils and vegetation.

These tinder-dry conditions provide fuel for fires, which can spread at incredible speeds, particularly if winds are strong.

In January 2026, fires in Chile and Argentina resulted in 55,000 evacuations. The area burned was around 36% larger due to climate change, according to a global report on wildfires, external.