• Since lightning is a frequent cause of forest fires, a warmer climate would likely increase the fire hazard, especially if summer dry spells become more prevalent as well.

• The effects are also becoming clear: extreme weather events mean more storms and floods in the north, and droughts and forest fires in southern countries.

• Fire frequency is expected to increase in most regions due to the effects of warmer summer temperatures and possibly increased growth of flammable fine fuels (e.g., small shrubs and grasses).