Recent climate crisis has exacerbated wildfires in Patagonia, with severe repercussions in Chile and Argentina. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution consortium have concluded that the hot and dry conditions that fueled these fires were made approximately three times more likely due to global warming. As a result, the affected regions are now facing drier summers, with rainfall in Chile decreased by 25% and by 20% in Argentina, directly impacting the ecosystems and communities of these areas.

In mid-January, catastrophic wildfires ravaged through the Chilean regions of Biobío and Ñuble, leading to the declaration of a 'state of catastrophe.' The fires took the lives of 23 individuals, destroyed over 1,000 homes, and forced 52,000 residents to evacuate, showcasing the grave human cost of these environmental disasters. The extreme weather conditions, including temperatures soaring above 37°C and fierce winds, created a perfect storm that enabled the fires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.

In Argentina, similar wildfires erupted, particularly affecting the Unesco-listed Los Alerces National Park, which contains some of the world’s oldest trees. The implications of these wildfires extend beyond immediate human loss and property damage, threatening biodiversity and establishing a warning regarding the urgent need for action against climate change. As communities and ecosystems struggle to cope, the events serve as a stark reminder of how climate crisis is reshaping landscapes and lives across Patagonia.