Geneva: Scientists are raising alarm over a dramatic rise in wildfires across the world as record heat, drought, and changing climate conditions fuel some of the worst fire outbreaks ever seen in recent years.
New research released on Tuesday by the climate research group World Weather Attribution showed that more than 150 million hectares of land have already burned globally between January and April this year. Researchers said this is around 20 percent higher than the previous record for the same period, making 2026 one of the most dangerous wildfire years on record.
Experts say climate change is playing a major role in worsening the crisis. Rising global temperatures, dry vegetation, and changing rainfall patterns are creating conditions that allow fires to spread faster and burn longer. Scientists also warned that the situation could become even more severe in the coming months as a strong El Nino weather pattern develops across the Pacific Ocean.
Africa has suffered some of the largest impacts so far this year. Researchers estimated that around 85 million hectares have burned across the continent, surpassing earlier records. Many areas experienced heavy rains during previous seasons, leading to rapid vegetation growth. But when extreme heat and dry weather returned, the vegetation quickly became fuel for fires.
Asian countries are also facing serious wildfire outbreaks. About 44 million hectares have burned across the continent, nearly 40 percent above earlier records. Countries including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and China have reported major fires linked to unusually hot and dry conditions.
Climate experts say many of the world’s major fire seasons are only beginning, especially in North America and parts of Europe. Scientists fear that if temperatures continue to rise during the northern hemisphere summer, several regions could face widespread environmental and economic damage.
Theodore Keeping, a wildfire researcher from Imperial College London who participated in the study, said the combination of climate change and a strengthening El Nino could make 2026 an especially destructive year for fires across several continents.
El Nino is a natural climate pattern caused by warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It often changes weather systems around the world and can bring severe droughts, heatwaves, and reduced rainfall to many countries. Weather agencies in Asia and the Pacific region have already warned that the current El Nino could become one of the strongest seen in nearly ten years.
The effects are already being felt beyond wildfire zones. Farmers in Australia are reducing wheat and canola planting because of dry conditions, while experts in Southeast Asia are warning about possible declines in rice and palm oil production if the heat continues. Scientists say crop failures and water shortages could become major concerns in vulnerable regions later this year.
Earlier this year, severe fires swept through parts of Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia. In some Australian regions, temperatures approached 50 degrees Celsius, while deadly fires in Chile claimed more than 20 lives and destroyed homes and forests.
Environmental groups are now calling for stronger global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve disaster preparedness. Researchers say governments must invest more in early warning systems, forest management, emergency response teams, and climate adaptation programs.
Scientists also warned that ecosystems are struggling to recover from repeated fires and rising temperatures. Forests that once absorbed carbon dioxide are increasingly becoming sources of emissions because of large scale burning.
Experts believe the growing wildfire crisis is another sign that the world is entering a period of more frequent and intense climate related disasters. They warn that without major international efforts to slow global warming, future fire seasons could become even more destructive, threatening lives, agriculture, biodiversity, and economies across the globe.