The LA Wildfires & Climate Change

California is burning. Again.

Over 4 million acres of land were scorched in 2020 alone, marking the most devastating wildfire season in the state’s history.
And with the current wildfires estimated to cause between $135 billion and $150 billion of total damage and economic loss (according to private forecaster AccuWeather), sifting through the ashes of homes and ecosystems, a question lingers: are we merely fighting fires, or are we fueling them?

Here’s the reality: rising global temperatures have made wildfires not only more frequent but far more ferocious. And while it’s easy to blame the flames on nature’s unpredictability, the truth is unsettling. Human activity has turbocharged this crisis.

What’s Fueling the Flames?

The science is crystal clear: hotter, drier conditions are a direct consequence of global warming. According to NOAA, average summer temperatures in the Western United States have risen by nearly 2°F since the 1970s. Small as it sounds, this shift creates a tinderbox effect. Plants dry out faster, soil loses moisture, and entire ecosystems become highly flammable. Coupled with below-average rainfall and stronger winds such as those currently affecting downtown LA—with only 0.29″ of rainfall between May and December 2024, and fierce Santa Ana winds blowing up to 100 mph (160 km/h)—the situation is alarming.

The Domino Effect of Wildfires

It’s not just about flames. Wildfires release staggering amounts of carbon dioxide—nearly 110 million metric tons annually in California alone. That’s equivalent to the emissions from 24 million cars in a year. This creates a vicious loop where fires worsen climate change, which in turn makes fires more intense.

Beyond emissions, wildfires wreak havoc on air quality. Fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke has been linked to respiratory issues, heart problems, and even premature death. Cities hundreds of miles away feel the impact as skies darken and air becomes unsafe to breathe.

Can Anything Be Done? Yes, and Here’s How:

Wildfires may feel like an unstoppable force, but proactive measures, by governments and individuals, can dramatically reduce their frequency and severity.

Better Land Management
Controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, are a proven way to clear excess vegetation and reduce the fuel load for wildfires. Indigenous communities have used this practice for centuries, and it’s time we embrace their wisdom on a broader scale.

Community and Self Education
Knowledge saves lives. Programs that teach residents how to prepare for wildfires—creating evacuation plans, hardening homes against fire, and understanding early warning systems—empower communities to act swiftly when disaster strikes. Educate yourself and be a part of spreading the awareness if you can.

Mindful Consumerism.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need it. Every product has a carbon footprint, and buying less reduces demand for resources and emissions. From clothing to electronics, consuming less means wasting less. Avoiding plastic in products and packaging is the way forward. Research shows that every year, 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into our aquatic systems polluting our waters. Reducing our plastic consumption is the need of the hour!

Small Baby Steps.
Minimize water use by shortening your showers or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Start segregating your garbage for proper recycling. These small habits may seem trivial, but they collectively reduce stress on our already overburdened planet.

Reduced Dependency on Animal Products
Livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Even swapping one or two meals a week with plant-based alternatives can make a meaningful impact. Opt for plant-based leather alternatives instead of animal skin when possible for your bags, shoes and clothes.

Adopting Non-Emitting Energy Sources
Non-emitting energy sources like nuclear, solar and hydroelectric power produce no direct emissions, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. By investing in and supporting clean energy initiatives, we can generate the power we need without compromising the health of our planet. By championing the construction and operation of nuclear plants or backing renewable energy sources, we can minimize our environmental impact.

Why does this matter? Because everything is intertwined—our consumption habits, resource use, and food choices ripple outward, affecting the environment, climate, and even the frequency of wildfires.

A Future Worth Fighting For

The story of LA’s wildfires is one of loss and resilience. But it’s also a wake-up call. Wildfires don’t just consume forests—they consume futures. Every acre lost, every home burned, and every life disrupted is a reminder of what’s at stake.

Are we saying that wildfires are directly caused by climate change? That’s not a simple Yes or No answer.

Wildfires have always existed, sparked by natural events like lightning strikes or spontaneous combustion due to strong heat. There’s no way to prove that the wildfires in LA right now are a direct result of climate change, but it’s important to note that events like these are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more unpredictable—and that’s definitely linked to climate change. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and altered weather patterns are more common today, which causes widespread environmental degradation impacting ecosystems and human communities.

Climate change may seem overwhelming, but it’s not insurmountable. By taking bold, collective action, we can not only mitigate the wildfire crisis but also forge a more sustainable world. The flames are a demand for change, but will we answer?

Satu Hati