Scientists At Loggerheads Over Cause Of Wildfires Ravaging California

Smoke from a California wildfire [image credit: BBC]

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Leaving aside the question of the competence, or lack of it, of the relevant authorities, this article looks at the role of nature in the ongoing disaster. One expert commented: “You certainly could get these events without climate change.”
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At least five people are dead in the wildfires that are claiming a large part of the Pacific Palisades region of Los Angeles and nearby locations, says Climate Change Dispatch.

As is their habit, the media are blaming climate change for this raging inferno.

And some scientists, such as fire expert Jennifer Balch, blame warming conditions partially caused by the fact that the jet stream has dipped farther south than usual.

“Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States,” said a spokesman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

But Jon Keeley, a scientist working for the US Geological Survey, says that just isn’t so.

Keeley has been studying the connection between various climatic conditions and fires for the past forty years.

“I don’t think these fires are the result of climate change,” he told Michael Shellenberger. “You certainly could get these events without climate change.”

Keeley correctly pointed out that the conditions causing this type of fire have existed for thousands of years in this part of California.
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Another scientist, Daniel Swain, agrees with Keeley, saying there’s “no sure connection” between such fires and climate change. Fire Chief David Acuna pointed out that 95% of wildfires in that area have been started by humans.
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This unfortunate series of events will be long remembered in California history. But the conditions fostering such blazes have long existed, the only difference being that this time people got in the way.

Full article here.
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Image: Smoke from a California wildfire [credit: BBC]