Northridge, CA- The growing size and intensity of fires in California have been trending in the United States media lately. Scientists with the federal government are blaming climate change.
Business Insider says that the fire season is lasting two and a half months longer than in the early 70s. The National Climate Assessment reported that the average temperature since 1950 to 2010 has rose 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit. They predict it’ll rise another 2 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050.
Firefighter Anthony Rosas, working for the Los Angeles Fire Department in North Hollywood says that the more moisture in the air the less likelihood of fire and the less moisture in the air makes a fire spread much faster. He says climate is one of the biggest factors when it comes to wildfires.
The National Assessment was mandated by 1990 law and there have four studies reported since. The latest study says climate change is further stressing already vulnerable aging and deteriorating infrastructure, land-use changes and population growth. Higher temperatures and early snowmelt are contributing to longer fire seasons.
Julie Laity, an Environmental Studies professor at California State University Northridge says the wind plays a crucial role in wildfires. Laity says the wind dries out vegetation, fueling the fires even more while also providing oxygen to push the fires along.
Twelve of the fifteen largest fires in California’s history happened in the last 20 years. California’s latest Climate Change report predicts there’ll be a 77 percent increase in wildfires by 2100.
The Camp Fire that began on November 8th was the deadliest fire in California history. It took 17 days to contain and burned through over 150 thousand acres of land. 88 people were confirmed dead and 158 people remain unaccounted for.
Contributions by NPR, New York Times, Union of Concerned Scientists, National Geographic
Image: Noah Berger/AP
Video: Monica Villacorta
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Our Planet Our Insight 