Southern California’s most destructive wintertime wildfires have devoured over 150,000 acres and hundreds of homes, barely 2 months after wildfires gutted Northern California killing 44 people, burning over 200,000 acres, and destroying 15,000 homes. The fire emergency has left the most vulnerable survivors in dire need of rescue and assistance.
Experts say thirteen of California’s largest ever wildfires have been recorded since the year 2000. Since 1970 temperatures in western US have increased by about twice the global average and climate change is responsible for the dryness of western forests and the increased length of the fire season. Scientists have warned for years that the region was entering a year-round fire regime with 94% less rain in what is California’s rainiest season. Governor Jerry Brown has termed the fires the “new normal”.
Trump’s tax cuts add to fire
Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s largest-ever tax cut for the rich is set to dry up tax credits for solar, wind and EVs as the govt approves drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to boost fossil fuel extraction.
You may also like
-
Coral reef scientists raise alarm as climate change decimates ocean ecosystems vital to fish and humans
-
150% increase in the frequency of very severe cyclones in Arabian Sea in past four decades: Study
-
Climate change to worsen agricultural productivity in Maharashtra: Study
-
First-ever document to help prepare healthcare workers for climate change impacts released
-
India may lose 3-10% of its GDP annually by 2100 due to climate change: Study