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Climate Change Fuels Record Global Wildfires

  • 13 May 2026

On 12th May 2026, scientists warned that climate change and emerging El Niño conditions are driving record-breaking wildfire outbreaks across Africa, Asia, and other regions, with risks expected to intensify in the coming months.

Key Points

  • Record Fire Activity: Wildfires between January and April 2026 burned over 150 million hectares of land globally, around 20% higher than the previous record.
  • Climate Change Link: Researchers from World Weather Attribution attributed the extreme fire season largely to human-induced climate change.
  • Impact of El Niño: Scientists warned that a strong El Niño event could further intensify heatwaves, droughts, and wildfire risks worldwide.
  • Africa Worst Affected: Africa recorded nearly 85 million hectares burned, 23% more than the previous record.
  • Cause in Africa: Rapid shifts from heavy rainfall to extreme dryness created abundant dry vegetation that intensified savannah fires.
  • Severe Fires in Asia: Asia witnessed about 44 million hectares burned, nearly 40% above the previous record set in 2014.
  • Most Affected Asian Countries: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and China were among the worst-hit nations.
  • Future Risk Regions: Scientists warned of heightened wildfire risks later in the year in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the Amazon rainforest.
  • El Niño Conditions: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that El Niño conditions are expected to develop during May 2026.
  • Possible Weather Impacts: El Niño may trigger droughts in Australia, Indonesia, and southern Asia while causing floods in other regions.
  • Rising Global Temperatures: Scientists cautioned that the combined effects of climate change and El Niño could produce unprecedented weather extremes globally.
  • Scientific Concern: Researchers warned that 2026 could witness one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent history if strong El Niño conditions persist.