Study Finds Wildfires Devastating Wealthier Areas Despite Global Decline in Burned Hectares
A recent study highlights that while the total area burned by wildfires globally has decreased, the impact on wealthier regions has been devastating. In 2025, catastrophic wildfires affected areas in California, Canada, Europe, and South Korea, despite a global reduction in burned hectares. The study attributes this to changes in land use and global heating, which have increased the risk of fires at the wildland-urban interface. High winds and dry vegetation have exacerbated fires in densely populated areas, leading to significant mortality, evacuations, and infrastructure losses. The study also notes that fires accounted for over 38% of insured losses from weather disasters in 2025. 
