Weather & Science
Climate Change and Budget Cuts Fueled South American Blazes
A new study found that less rain and pine tree plantations are increasing the likelihood of wildfires.
A firefighter works to extinguish a forest fire burning in the mountains of the rural area of Epuyen, in the Patagonian region of Chubut province, Argentina, on Feb. 2.
Photographer: Tomas Cuesta/AFP/Getty ImagesHuman-induced climate change, along with land-use shifts and budget cuts, likely worsened recent wildfires in Argentina and Chile that are threatening some of the world's oldest trees, an analysis has found.
These regions are now receiving 20% to 25% less rainfall due to climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, according to a report by World Weather Attribution, also known as WWA, a scientific group that examines extreme weather events days after they occur.