Fires Scorch New Guinea Amid Drought and El Niño

Fires have been burning across New Guinea, releasing massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The fires, fueled by drought and El Niño, have caused widespread air pollution, delayed flights, and prompted officials to urge children and older people to wear masks. According to the Global Fire Emissions Database, fires in Papua New Guinea have released nearly 32 megatons of carbon, more than any other year on record at this point in the year. Researchers expect the fires to continue until the heavy rains of the wet season arrive in early November. The southernmost part of Papua New Guinea has seen over 90 consecutive days without rain, with parts of the region receiving only 5 to 10 percent of normal precipitation since August. Local news outlets report that drought is causing crop failures, water shortages, and school disruptions.