Climate change made deadly Los Angeles wildfires more likely: Study
Global warming intensified conditions that fueled one of city’s worst disasters, scientists say
LA County helicopter makes a water drop over the Hughes Fire in California, United States on January 22, 2025.
ISTANBUL
Climate change increased the likelihood of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires by 35%, according to a study by World Weather Attribution (WWA).
Researchers found that a 1.3-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era extended dry periods, making vegetation more flammable and intensifying the fires.
The prolonged dry conditions, combined with strong Santa Ana winds, played a crucial role in the rapid spread of the flames, researchers noted. They warned that as the climate continues to warm, extreme wildfire events like the one in the US state of California could become even more frequent and severe.
The fires, which broke out Jan. 7, have killed 29 people and destroyed more than 16,000 homes, scorching over 37,000 acres. Officials said the blaze is still not fully contained.
Considered "one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history," the economic loss from the disaster is estimated to exceed $250 billion, according to media reports.
