Wildfires

With the current fire situation all across the western half of the United States, I decided to start with this topic.

The increased frequency and intensity of wildfires directly correlates to climate change. This link is formed by several different factors. One factor is the lengthening fire season. As global temperatures rise, spring run-off from snow melt occur earlier, the heat of summer arrives sooner, and the warm weather sticks around later into the fall. The run-off helps keep plants from drying out, but the current timing for snow-melt leads to drier plants earlier in the season. Another factor is increasing temperatures. Rising temperatures result in a higher rate of evaporation, which dries out plants and produces more fuel for potential fires. At the same time, the drier and warmer conditions are conducive to insect infestations, which kill plants. As a consequence, large patches of trees, shrubs, and grasses are left dead and dry, tinder waiting for a spark. Speaking of a spark, the drier weather combined with rising temperatures will result in more thunderstorms that produce significant lightning. With the increased frequency of lightning comes an increased frequency of fires. Lightning is a common cause of wildfires and the fires are often fast-spreading and difficult to contain.

What is the effect on wildlife? Well, the species that occupy the habitat that is burned often are displaced or killed by the fire. As a result of the shift in species, the balance within the local ecosystem is changed.

While many of the causes of wildfires are natural and out of human hands, there are things everyone can do to help prevent wildfires. The most important solution is to change habits and work for reducing the carbon footprint. This would lead to a slowing of global warming and, in turn, a reduction in the rate of new fires per season. Everyone can help slow the rate of climate change in many different fragile ecosystems by reducing their carbon footprint and working for a more sustainable life. At a practical level, learning about fire safety and how to prevent wildfires from starting due to human activity will result in fewer fires, even if the amount of fires by natural causes is not reduced.


Source/More information: Global Warming and Wildfires