It is striking for me that the super fire nowadays are substantially qualitatively different from before. I believe all humans are responsible for restoring the Ecosystem to the one that evolved more vibrantly through natural occurring fires.
Thus I envision a world with abundant forests in which organisms enjoy the food, shelter and pleasantly cool air provided by forest assets, instead of the smoke and danger.
In order to achieve this, we should not always try to suppress fire, alternatively, think about why we have drier fuels, higher temperature and more frequent ignitions now. In addition to carefully use prescribed fire to control super fire, government should dedicated to the act and agreement that target climate change. Local organizations and leaders should limit unnecessary activities that will light fie in high risk areas.
I agree with your points! We need to come together as an entire community in order to fix these issues. Solutions are possible but they need to be done and issues like fires cannot be simply ignored in hopes that it solves themselves. There is massive financial incentive too for these practices and its a net gain for all parties at hand.
Climate change definitely has a huge hand in the super fires we see today. I was also shocked to learn that the 'super' fires we have today and the damage they cause are not the same when compared to the fires of the past. We, humans, are a large contributor to climate change, and therefore we are indirectly adding to the creation of these 'super' fires, and we should be taking precautions to prevent further escalation.
Hi Bellie! I think the extent and severity of wildfires are indeed driven by climate change, but human activity not only increases the risk of fires it also changes climate patterns, and variable weather tends to extend the fire season, resulting in still more days when fires are likely to occur. I believe that it is the responsibility of the government to develop integrated management of all aspects related to risk mitigation and prevention, fire suppression and post-disaster recovery plans for wildfires.
I totally agree with you. Fire is just a natural product and we shouldn't think it is bad only. The government should really work on acts and agreements that address climate change, which is not good enough on that front.
Hi Billie, thanks for sharing! I too was a bit shocked about the fact that wildfires are so qualitatively different from before, and I do agree that prescribed fire should be carefully used!
Hi Bellie Zhu, I too never realized that we had changed the composition of wildfires such that they are occurring at scales and intensities never seen before, but in hindsight it makes sense I just never realized it prior to class discussion. Prescribed burns are an important step in the right direction against the greater beast that is climate change driving these super fires.
Hi Bellie, I was also really shocked to learn that fires now are qualitatively different than what they were before. I think your idea about not always suppressing fire is interesting. I find that the way our society views fire right now, it would be hard for the general public to accept that we would just let a fire burn without trying to control it. What obstacles do you think need to be overcome in order for society to embrace letting fires burn when they naturally would (obviously not when they are accidentally ignited by humans)?
Forests are ecosystems that contain the most biodiversity on land, so it is everyone's responsibility to think about how to reduce the conditions of wildfires. Great post!
I agree governments should target climate change have controlled burns and limit high risk activities
Hi Bellie, I agree that prescribed fires are necessary and governments need to raise attention on this issue and take action!
I actually voted that fires are not qualitatively different today, and I was surprised too when Prof. Chan revealed the answers today~
Thats a lovely vision for our future forests Bellie!