Most fires have an initial human cause, so we need to know whether they are due to an accident, carelessness or the way infrastructure is built, and understand that there are ways to promote integrated fire management behavior through education and awareness. This is not just a forestry problem.
The deadly wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area, destroying entire communities and causing billions of dollars in damage, reveal why countries must invest more in stopping these devastating blazes before they start.
2024 smashes global temperature record with about 1.55°C above pre-industrial level, confirms the @WMO.
— UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) January 13, 2025
This is a clear signal for urgent #ClimateAction
Read more here: https://t.co/pp7zyKDUUj pic.twitter.com/vKb118hC5P
It is badly needed, as wildfires are rapidly increasing in intensity, frequency and duration due to the climate crisis and changes in land use, according to Amy Duchelle of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
“Historically there has been a lot of focus on suppression, but much more needs to be invested in prevention,” he told UN News’ Dianne Penn this week.
FAO’s senior forestry officer and team leader on forests and climate explained how the UN agency is helping countries advance integrated fire management and why everyone should get involved.
Amy Duchelle: Wildfires basically require three ingredients – a fuel source, warm and dry weather, and an ignition source – and the situation in Los Angeles featured all three to a severe degree, including high winds that kept those fires burning out of control.
So we need to focus on prevention, risk reduction and preparedness. In addition, much of the investment has gone to response and recovery, and that is extremely expensive. The damages and losses from these catastrophic fires amount to billions of dollars, and greater financial investment in prevention could reduce response and recovery costs.
🌍 The WMO confirms 2024 as the warmest year on record, at about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) January 10, 2025
🔗More in the press release: https://t.co/WemNnJ27wA pic.twitter.com/n2Emp77Ik8
UN News: What can the general public do to support prevention, risk reduction and preparedness?
Amy Duchelle: This is a society-wide issue, and everyone has a role to play. I think another thing we are beginning to understand is that the concept of fire season is changing and that it is an issue that needs to be addressed year-round, even when there is no fire.
Most fires have an initial human cause, so we need to know whether they are due to an accident, carelessness or the way infrastructure is built, and understand that there are ways to promote integrated fire management behavior through education and awareness. This is not just a forestry problem. It is a problem that affects all sectors and all levels of society.
@maite-burgos Source: ONU Oficial
