Are Wildfires Caused by Climate Change?
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
By Jaclyn Tracy
Current Wildfires
As of today, May 21, 2023, there are 91 active wildfires burning in Alberta, Canada. I decided to write about this topic because the last couple of days in Colorado, the skies have been covered in smoke from these fires. Yes, from Canada. You can no longer see the mountains in the distance. The air quality is poor. And honestly, even though I’ve experienced this before in my life, it’s still mind blowing to see. These Canadian fires have burned over 842,000 hectares of land and have forced the evacuation of thousands of people. The fires are being fueled by hot, dry weather and strong winds and are expected to continue burning for several days. Many people have lost their homes and businesses, and the smoke from the fires is causing health problems.
Are Wildfires Caused by Climate Change?
Wildfires and climate change are closely interconnected. As the Earth's climate warms, temperatures are rising and precipitation patterns are becoming more erratic. This is creating conditions that are more favorable for wildfires to start and spread. We need to take action to address climate change in order to reduce the risk of future wildfires.
Climate change is a contributor to wildfires and wildfires are a contributor to climate change. Read that again. Wildfires can contribute to climate change through the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When vegetation burns, it releases stored carbon into the air, adding to the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. This, in turn, can further exacerbate the cycle of climate change and wildfire occurrence.
Drier Conditions, Increased Accumulation of Flammable Material & Extended Fire Seasons: Climate change can lead to hotter and drier conditions in many regions. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can result in more frequent and severe droughts. Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and longer growing seasons can lead to increased vegetation growth. When combined with drought conditions, this excess, dry vegetation becomes dry and highly flammable, providing ample fuel for wildfires.
What can we do about it?
Reducing wildfires requires a combination of individual actions, community efforts, and government policies. While wildfires can occur naturally, human activities often contribute to their frequency and intensity.
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce your personal carbon emissions. I am not suggesting this is only on us as consumers. However, I do truly believe we can make an impact when each of us chooses to make small sustainable changes. Imperfectly, but collectively.
1. CONSERVE ENERGY
Use energy-efficient appliances.
Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use.
Optimize heating and cooling by properly insulating your home and using programmable thermostats.
Consider using renewable energy sources like solar panels if feasible.
2. TRANSPORTATION
Choose sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible.
If you own a car, consider carpooling, combining trips, or transitioning to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Plan and optimize your routes to minimize mileage and fuel consumption
3. EAT SUSTAINABLE FOODS
Reduce meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as the production of meat has a significant carbon footprint.
Choose locally sourced, organic, and seasonal foods.
Minimize food waste by planning meals, composting, and properly storing leftovers.
Learn More: Is Eating Meat Sustainable?
4. MINIMIZE AIR TRAVEL
Minimize air travel whenever possible, especially for short distances.
When flying is necessary, consider carbon offset programs that help neutralize the emissions generated by your flights.
Learn More: How Do I Offset My Carbon Footprint from Flying?
5. CONSERVE WATER
Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-saving fixtures.
Be mindful of water usage in activities like laundry and dishwashing.
6. PLANT TREES
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change.
Plant trees in your yard or participate in local tree-planting initiatives.
7. CONSCIOUSLY CONSUME
Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste production.
Buy products with minimal packaging and opt for reusable items instead of single-use ones.
Choose energy-efficient and eco-friendly products.
Support local and sustainable businesses.
Learn More: What is a Conscious Consumer?
But remember, progress is always greater than perfection. This is not a zero or nothing approach. Just do what you can! We’re rooting for you no matter what.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaclyn Tracy's goal with SISTAIN is to make a greater difference by educating, activating and making sustainable consumerism not only easier, but aspirational. She believes success is in the collective impact, getting a whole group of people to change their behavior by committing to choosing sustainable brands, less waste and imperfect progress.
