Wildfires in Japan and South Korea Intensified by Climate Change
Recent wildfires in Japan and South Korea are exacerbated by climate change, according to a rapid analysis from European researchers. The ClimaMeter project attributes the fires’ intensity to dry soil, strong winds, and high temperatures. The fires continue to affect Okayama and Ehime in Japan and various locations in South Korea.
A recent analysis by European researchers links a series of wildfires in Japan and South Korea to human-induced climate change. This study is part of ClimaMeter, an EU-supported initiative focused on the effects of climate change on extreme weather patterns. The wildfires in both nations have become more severe due to conditions such as persistently dry soil, high winds, and unusually high temperatures.
The wildfires ignited over the weekend, between Friday and Sunday, and continue to blaze in Japan’s Okayama and Ehime prefectures. The situation is also dire in various regions of South Korea, where the flames are causing significant concerns.
The analysis highlights the pivotal role climate change plays in exacerbating wildfire conditions, with intense dry conditions and high temperatures serving as key contributors. The fires, still active in both Japan and South Korea, underscore the urgent need for measures to address climate change and its impacts on extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
