ARCTIC WILDFIRES AS A CASCADING RISK TO COMMUNITIES
Arctic Circle Assembly, Reykjavik, 8-10 Oct 2026
Session: Sat. 10th October — 09:45 – 10:40am Room TBC
Moderator: Adriana Ford, a.ford@imperial.ac.uk
Summary: Arctic wildfires are increasing rapidly, with consequences that extend far beyond burned areas. This session explores Arctic wildfires as a cascading risk to communities, ecosystems, and health, bringing together perspectives on air quality, climate impacts, and environmental contamination. Speakers will examine how wildfire emissions affect Arctic air quality and climate feedbacks, and how fires in mineral‑rich or industrially impacted regions can mobilise toxic substances, creating new exposure pathways for people and ecosystems. The session highlights emerging risks, health inequalities, and key knowledge gaps, and discusses why Arctic wildfires require more integrated scientific and policy responses. By framing wildfires as a system‑wide risk rather than a single‑issue problem, the session aims to foster dialogue across disciplines and inform future Arctic research and decision‑making.
Read our session information including agenda, speakers and bios: Arctic Circle 2026 – Arctic Wildfires As a Cascading Risk To Communities- SESSION INFORMATION
