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Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story
Denying Climate Change: Acreage Data Tells a Different Story
I’ve encountered many claims suggesting that the Los Angeles wildfires are unrelated to climate change, with some attributing them to causes like arson or electrical failures, amplified by Santa Ana winds—natural phenomena long familiar to the region. However, regardless of their origin, data shows that containing wildfires is becoming increasingly difficult, likely due to the impacts of climate change.
Since 1983, the National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires annually. While the number of fires fluctuates from year to year without a clear pattern, the acreage burned has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Despite advancements in firefighting technology, the amount of land consumed by wildfires continues to grow steadily. This trend suggests that wildfires are intensifying in strength and/or lasting longer.
What factors contribute to the expansion of burned acreage in non-human-caused wildfires?
Climate change plays a significant role by altering weather patterns, raising temperatures, and affecting vegetation—conditions that increase the likelihood of ignition, spread, and intensity. Specific contributing factors include rising temperatures, extended fire seasons, prolonged droughts, reduced snowpack, increased lightning strikes, and stronger winds.
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