What causes wildfires and Why are they worsening?
Wildfires are generally caused by either lightning or human activity (arson, cigarettes, cars, campfires, etc.). However, it has been noticed that in recent years there has been an increase in the intensity, spread, and number of wildfires. It is believed that this increase is due to a great amount of dry fuel.
“Dry fuel” refers to vegetation (grasses and trees). When there is a lack of moisture in the air, this dry fuel is more likely to rapidly spread a fire. Climate change has had a great impact on the dryness in wildlands, and therefore impacts the growth of wildfires.
Why does this connect to Climate Change?
Park Williams (a Climate Scientist at UCLA) says, “We wouldn’t be seeing this giant ramp up in fire activity as fast as it is happening without climate change”. The extremity of these fires is increasing by the year and so is our global climate.
What can you do to help?
The organization “Earthjustice” highlights a few ways that the public can help slow the progression of climate change:
- Move beyond fossil fuels, by keeping fossil fuels in the ground and cleaning up pollution.
- Clear the way for clean energy, by setting ambitious climate goals, removing barriers to clean energy, and electrifying our economy.
- Make sure everyone benefits by centering environmental justice and expanding access to clean energy in every community.
- Take on the next frontiers, by protecting climate forests, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and stopping the petrochemical buildout.
Information by Earth Justice's article on "How Climate Change Is Fueling Extreme Weather" · Images by The New York Times