This video was created by Climate Desk. They have Matthew Hurteau, Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Science & Management at Pennsylvania State University, explaining to us how climate change fuels wildfires.
They specifically hit on California’s Sierra Nevada where the Rim Fire is currently burning in and around Yosemite National Park. It is now California’s 15 largest wildfire in history at over 160,000 acres burned and it’s not letting up anytime soon.
This fire is a negative in from many angles. The area that is burning is a gorgeous zone with many a great cliff jumping spot and spectacular river. These zones will never again be forested in our lifetimes.
Matthew goes through why these fires are happening. The saddest reason is our poor understanding of forest ecosystems. Our fire suppression tactics over the past 100 years have created forests ready to ignite.
August 22nd video of Rim Fire from plane
Let’s hear it for climate change…explaining complex events in two words.
It’s not lookin’ good for the general population in general. The rich will always be fine. If you’re planning on getting rich, soon would be a good time for that.
Burned forests are good for skiing. Nice and open at least…
So, we’re screwed?