Wildfires release a “witches’ brew” of pollutants that can wreck air quality even a continent away, posing risks for infrastructure, ecosystems and human health.
Published On 5 Sep 2025
Wildfires made significant contributions to air pollution last year, according to the United Nations’ weather and climate agency.
In a report released on Friday, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said wildfires, likely to have been made more frequent by climate change, are releasing a “witches’ brew” of pollutants that can end up wrecking air quality a continent away.