Wildfire Disasters: Individual and Environmental Impacts
摘要
Climate change has had devastating effects on our environment and our mental health. Increased frequency and severity of wildfires are a particularly destructive consequence of increased global temperatures. As demonstrated by the wildfire data coming out of the USA, Canada, and Australia, those affected by wildfires may suffer property loss, impacts on financial stability, and adverse mental health outcomes. PTSD, depression, and sleep disturbances are some disorders associated with experiencing wildfire destruction. Additionally, wildfires affect the environment by upsetting biodiversity, landscape ecology, soil and water quality, and ecosystem resilience. As climate change worsens and wildfires continue at this increasing rate, adverse effects on our people and environment will likely continue and potentially worsen.