LA Wildfires Could Intensify Climate Change, Experts Warn

Los Angeles: This week, wildfires have wreaked havoc in the city, and experts are sounding the alarm. They warn that the CO2 released could make climate change even worse.

Governor Gavin Newsom mentioned that these fires have already claimed 24 lives and forced 100,000 people to evacuate. He called it one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.

With strong winds expected to return, firefighting efforts are facing serious challenges. The wildfires are not just a local issue; they could create a “vicious cycle” that exacerbates climate change, according to Dr. Kirsten Lees from the University of Derby.

She explained that more frequent wildfires lead to more carbon being released into the atmosphere. When vegetation burns, the carbon it stored is lost, which adds to greenhouse gases and worsens conditions for future fires.

In 2022 alone, wildfires contributed 5.3 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere, surpassing emissions from many industrialized nations. As wildfires become more common, the amount of CO2 released is also on the rise.

These fires can change local ecosystems, making it harder for vegetation to regrow. Dr. Lees pointed out that severe fires can lead to long-term changes in these areas.

NASA has noted that while wildfires are essential for forest health, their frequency and intensity have increased significantly in recent decades. Factors like drought, fire management practices, and urban expansion contribute to this trend.

Climate change is a major player in this increase, creating drier conditions and promoting forest growth, which can lead to more fires. Dr. Renuka Thakore from the University of Central Lancashire highlighted that human-caused climate change has led to a staggering increase in burned areas in California over the past 50 years.

A recent study showed that CO2 emissions from forest fires have risen by 60% globally, driven by hot and dry conditions. This increase in emissions poses a threat to forests’ ability to store carbon, which is crucial for meeting climate goals.

Wildfires disrupt the natural carbon storage process, making it harder to combat global warming. Reforestation efforts depend on forests being able to store carbon long-term, and wildfires jeopardize that goal.