Has Climate Change Played a Role in the LA Fires?

This past week, Los Angeles faced unprecedented wildfires, with the Palisades and Eaton fires causing significant devastation. The Palisades fire alone consumed nearly 20,000 acres, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Many celebrities including Mel Gibson, Tina Knowles, Paris Hilton, Jhene Aiko, and more have lost their homes, and we’ve all seen the videos of people scrambling to leave their homes in droves taking only what they could – beloved mementos, important papers, pets, birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, jewelry.

Louise Hamlin, who lost her home in the Eaton Fire, and who is no stranger to the fires said, “…The fire would have had to go through 500 homes between where it was and my house, and it was hard to imagine that happening.”

The fire came fast and furious engulfing her street while she and her family dodged flames to get out. Her entire neighborhood is now gone!

These fires are part of a troubling trend in California, where wildfires have become more frequent and severe over the past few decades. Since 1950, the area burned by wildfires in the state has been increasing, with a notable rise from 1971 to 2021, during which human-caused climate change contributed to a 172% increase in burned areas.

Several factors have contributed to this escalation. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts have dried out vegetation, creating ample fuel for fires. Additionally, earlier spring snowmelt has extended the fire season. Human activities, such as urban development in fire-prone areas and inadequate forest management, have further exacerbated the situation.

The California Air Resources Board shared: “Climate change, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires not only in California but also all over the world. Since 1950, the area burned by California wildfires each year has been increasing, as spring and summer temperatures have warmed and spring snowmelt has occurred earlier”.

A Drought.gov article in 2023 said: “Further, 10 of the largest California wildfires have occurred in the last 20 years—five of which occurred in 2020 alone. While higher temperatures and increased dryness are thought to be the leading causes of increased burned areas, the extent to which burned area changes are due to natural variability or human-caused climate change has remained largely unresolved…”. 

In response to these challenges, California has implemented various measures to mitigate wildfire risks, including investing in fire prevention and suppression efforts, promoting sustainable land management practices, and enacting policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the increasing intensity of wildfires underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes, particularly climate change.

The recent Los Angeles fires serve as a stark reminder of the profound impact climate change has on wildfire behavior. Without significant action to curb global warming and adapt to its effects, such devastating events are likely to become even more common in the future.

For a visual update on the situation, you can watch the following report:

What Others Can Do to Help

While we may be tucked away safe and far away from the devastation, our brothers and sisters still need our assistance, and there are many ways we can lend a helping hand to relief efforts and long-term solutions:

1. Donate to Relief Organizations
   Many organizations are on the ground providing immediate assistance to those affected by wildfires, including the Red Cross, California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund, and Direct Relief. Donations can help provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to displaced families.
2. Support Firefighters and First Responders
   Groups like the California Fire Foundation offer support to firefighters, their families, and communities impacted by wildfires. Contributions can also go toward providing essential equipment and supplies for fire crews battling the blazes.
3. Raise Awareness About Climate Change
   Advocate for climate action by educating your community about the link between climate change and extreme weather events, including wildfires. Amplify messages from environmental organizations and local leaders working toward sustainable solutions.
4. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
   Small individual actions can make a difference. Reduce energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and support policies that aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Volunteer or Donate Supplies
   Many local organizations need volunteers to sort donations, distribute supplies, or assist with cleanup efforts once the fires are contained. Essential items like non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene products, and pet supplies are often needed in shelters.
6. Advocate for Policy Change
   Contact elected officials to support stronger climate policies, including investments in clean energy, wildfire prevention, and sustainable land management practices. Push for comprehensive legislation at the state and federal levels that addresses climate change head-on.
7. Support Reforestation and Restoration Efforts
   Organizations like One Tree Planted and California ReLeaf work to reforest areas devastated by wildfires. Planting trees helps restore ecosystems, improves air quality, and reduces carbon emissions.

By taking action, individuals can help communities recover from the fires and play a role in tackling the larger issue of climate change to prevent future disasters.