A study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment shows that climate change has made the health effects of wildfires in the U.S. more dangerous. Between 2006 and 2020, around 15,000 serious health cases were linked to tiny particles (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, with an estimated cost of $160 billion. Researchers believe that about 10% of the 164,000 wildfire-related health impacts during this period were caused by climate change. California and Oregon were among the most affected states, where hot and dry conditions made fires worse. To understand the role of climate change, scientists used models to compare real wildfire conditions with a version of the climate without human-caused changes. They combined data on smoke particles, fire size, and weather to estimate health problems and economic losses. PM2.5 is especially harmful because it can reach deep into the lungs and cause long-term illness. While experts praised the study’s method, some, like Johns Hopkins lecturer Patrick Brown, said other factors—like forest management—should also be considered. The study highlights the need for both emission reductions and local actions, such as planned burns and better health protection.