"Climate change, wildfires and air pollution is a vicious circle," says Clean Air Fund CEO Jane Burston – and toxic particles can travel thousands of kilometres.
By Denis Loktev
Published on
25/07/2026 - 7:02 GMT+2
A national emergency declared in Spain, thousands forced to flee in France, and thousands of hectares scorched in Italy: wildfires are burning more often, and more intensely, as the climate changes.
And their danger does not end when the flames are put out. Smoke carries black carbon – tiny particles of partly burnt material – that can travel hundreds, even thousands, of kilometres from the fire itself.
It shows us how deadly climate change can be.
New research suggests that wildfire smoke may affect mental health – and cause an increase in violent crime
Wildfires release a “witches’ brew” of pollutants that can wreck air quality even a continent away.
Pollution from fires, intensified by rising temperatures, is on track to become one of America’s deadliest climate disasters.
Catastrophic wildfires in France and Spain have forced many to leave their homes. But it's not just the immediate threat to life…
Deaths from short-term exposure to fine particulates spewed by forest fires underestimated by 93%
Deadly wildfires force thousands from homes in parts of Europe - Europe - The Jakarta Post
