The Impact of Wildfires on Climate Change: Lessons from Los Angeles

Advaith Lall
Jan 14
2 min read

The Impact of Wildfires on Climate Change: Los Angeles Wildfire Overview

Recently, wildfires in Los Angeles made global headlines after it continued to rage on after claiming 24 lives, and destroying thousands of homes. With harrowing images from the fires flooding social media, it is evident that the role of climate change in these fires cannot be overlooked.

Factors Behind the Los Angeles Wildfires and Their Climate Impact

It is widely believed that a multitude of factors including the dry conditions created due to the monsoons which were followed by harsh, dry winters and powerful winds that led to the outbreak of the devasting fires. Currently, the region is preparing for another set of dangerous winds that is strong enough to cause “explosive fire growth” according to National Weather Service officials, and has prompted a red flag warning in the city and county.

The Devastating Scale and Cost of the Los Angeles Wildfires

As of the 13th of January, the fires have burned over 40,000 acres, which is larger than the city of San Diego, and has forced over 150,000 people to evacuate. Furthermore, the fires have caused an estimated $80 Billion in damages, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters ever.

Tackling the Fires: Efforts and Challenges in Managing the Impact of Wildfires on Climate Change

If this wasn’t enough, President-elect Donald Trump stated that there wasn’t enough water in the fire hydrants, calling it a major management failure. To tackle these fires, nearly 14,000 personnel including prison inmates and volunteers have been working tirelessly to subdue the fires, the efforts being bolstered by 84 fire-fighting aircraft and 1,400 fire engines.

Global Perspective: How Wildfires Highlight the Impact of Climate Change

However, this is not an isolated event. Wildfires have been a prime example of the impact that climate change has on the planet. The number of wildfires witnessed globally have increased exponentially, with the Australian Bushfires being a regular and devastating example, claiming plant, animal and human lives in the process.

What We Can Do: Minimizing the Impact of Wildfires on Climate Change

As students, it is imperative that we do everything that we can to help in preventing catastrophes like these, like preventing the accumulation of too many dried leaves, and to remove fire hazards around your home. While this may seem negligible, even small steps like these can help avert catastrophic disasters like the one ongoing in Los Angeles.