The New Possible: Mapping a World on Fire

From the forests of North America to the hillsides of southern Europe, wildfires are growing larger, more destructive, and more difficult to contain. But beyond the dramatic images of towering flames lies an even greater danger—one that travels hundreds of miles through the air and threatens millions of lives. In this episode, we explore the escalating global wildfire crisis, examining how climate change is reshaping fire seasons and pushing emergency services beyond their limits. We investigate the hidden health risks posed by wildfire smoke, the limitations of traditional firefighting methods, and the growing need for new technologies, smarter land management, and international cooperation. The story reveals that extreme wildfires are no longer rare disasters—they are becoming a defining feature of a warming world, forcing societies to rethink how they prepare for, respond to, and ultimately live with an increasingly combustible planet.https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/07/28/europes-fires-are-just-the-start