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wildfires

Science

Fires Char New Guinea

Emissions on both sides of the island are unusually high as human-set fires spread in a landscape parched by drought.

World

Indonesia continues to battle wildfires, with nearly 2 million hectares burned

Fires in Indonesia have burned through more than 1.9 million hectares of land, according to new data, as the country battles its worst wildfire season in a decade. The blazes have sent toxic smoke across much of Southeast Asia, forcing schools to close and fuelling a rise in respiratory illnesses. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

World

Months-long Indonesia wildfires spew toxic haze across Southeast Asia

Parts of southern Southeast Asia have been put under the highest-level haze alert as wildfires that have swept Indonesia for months continue to belch toxic smoke across the region. The seasonal wildfires are worse this year due to the drought conditions caused by a severe "super-El Nino" effect.

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World

Heatwaves, wildfires expose a third of world to extreme ozone pollution

Heatwaves and wildfires helped expose 34 percent of the world’s population to “extremely poor” ozone air quality in the first eight months of 2026, according to a European Union report published Wednesday. Asia recorded the highest exposure, while ozone pollution remained difficult to curb despite decades of progress in reducing other harmful emissions.

Science

Fire Cloud with a Pileus on Top

Scientists captured rare observations of an ephemeral pileus cloud hovering over a smoke-infused cloud that rose above a wildfire in Montana.

Weather

Weatherwatch: wildfires driven by global heating destroy UK bird habitats

Hot and dry summer created conditions for fires in Scotland and England that tore through vital wildlife areas Major wildfires this summer in the Cairngorms, along the Suffolk coast and in the New Forest have destroyed huge swathes of important bird habitats, affecting the populations of some of our most threatened and specialised species. The first to break out, in mid-July, destroyed much of the RSPB’s Abernethy reserve, home to declining species such as black grouse and capercaillie, as well as scarce songbirds including Scottish crossbill and crested tit. Fortunately it was brought under c

Weather

From toxic blooms to dead zones, how wildfires transform oceans and lakes

Wildfire smoke and ash can reshape aquatic ecosystems long after the flames have been extinguished Wildfires are an increasing problem in Europe and elsewhere. While their immediate effect on air quality is obvious, they can also trigger less visible but significant environmental effects, including algal blooms. An algal bloom is the rapid growth of algae and other plant-like microorganisms. These blooms can become so dense that they change the colour of the lake and seas. Although most are harmless, some produce dangerous toxins. When their blooms die, their decomposition depletes oxygen in t

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