Wildfires have intensified around the globe, providing a stark reminder of how the climate crisis is upending lives and inflicting billions of dollars a year in damage. And it will only get worse, according to dozens of global fire experts.
A report released Wednesday by the UN Environment Programme suggests it's time we "learn to live with fire" and adapt to the uptick in the frequency and severity of wildfires that will inevitably put more lives and economies in harm's way.

The number of extreme wildfire events will increase up to 14% by 2030, according to the report's analysis. By 2050, the increase will climb to 30%

Even with the most ambitious efforts to slash heat-trapping emissions, the report shows that those near-term consequences are locked in.

Although the situation is dire and that eliminating wildfire risks is impossible, communities can still reduce their risk and exposure, said Andrew Sullivan, principal research officer with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and editor of the report.
"Uncontrollable and devastating wildfires are becoming an expected part of the seasonal calendars in many parts of the world," Sullivan said at a Monday news conference. "Where wildfires have historically occurred, they may increase; however, where wildfires have not historically occurred, they may become more common."