In Los Angeles, California, Eaton and Palisades have been burning for days. The two fires are the largest of one series of accidents recorded in nightmarish seasonhave already earned a place in California history, as they are already the third and fourth most destructive in the state.
Its flames continue to be fanned by the powerful Santa Ana winds and have left more than 20 people dead and They devastated thousands and thousands of acres northwest and northeast of Los Angeles.. In recent days, the fire has been the great equalizer in a city with great disparities, since both the houses of the famous and those of the poorest have burned.
Today, Los Angeles embarks on a monumental and uncertain rebuilding process, while firefighters They strengthen containment of two of the most destructive wildfires ever recorded in California, which are very slowly controlled.
Forest fires: destruction and desolation
The wildfires have not only caused considerable damage to the region; kill lives, destroy thousands of homes and infrastructure and damage ecosystems, but they also constitute a reminder of the growing threat posed by wildfires. As has also been seen after a succession of devastating fires in North America, Europe and elsewhere in recent years.
These phenomena are fueled by a combination of factors such as drought, strong winds and the accumulation of dry vegetation, and have been intensified by the effects of climate change. In addition, They are characterized by their increasing size, speed and intensity.which is of growing concern across much of the northern hemisphere, particularly western North America.
The immense environmental damage, destroying ecosystems and wildlife habitats, is just one of the consequences. Because the Smoke from these fires can travel long distancesalso affects air quality and public health. On the other hand, the enormous cost of fire damage and suppression measures puts pressure on financial resources; including the budgets of forest agencies.
Living with fire?
The Economic Commission indicates that this situation highlights the we need to improve our understanding of forest fire dynamics on several scales, from local to international. Additionally, it highlights the question of how to live with fire instead of eliminating it.
-The answer to this question depends on the confluence of three factors, as the Commission indicates. Let us first consider the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, drier conditions and more frequent heat waves create ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spread quickly.
Furthermore, the unintended consequences of fire-fighting measureswhich unintentionally created the perfect environment for larger, more intense fires to occur. Fire suppression policies, implemented since the early 20th century, prevented natural fires, which would have cleared brush and debris. As a result, forests became filled with flammable materials.
The last factor is the invasion of wild areas which exposes more people and property to the risk of fire. As the human population continues to grow, residential development increases in areas bordering forests.
Combating this threat requires a multi-pronged approach
Sustainable forest management practices must be adapted to a changing environment, according to the United Nations Commission. A valuable tool for reducing the risk of wildfires can be prescribed burning and controlled fires set intentionally to eliminate undergrowth. Furthermore, it is crucial creating fire-resistant communities using fire-resistant building materials and appropriate landscaping techniques in high-risk areas.
Policies must also be based on high quality data, for which, supported by the guidance of this Commission, reporting of damage to forests plays a key role. All these efforts must go hand in hand with Greater climate change mitigation to reduce wildfire risks in the long term. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources and sustainable water management are essential to increasing the resilience of societies and ecosystems.
