Is Climate Change Fueling California’s Wildfire Crisis?

Scientists warn that rising global temperatures and prolonged droughts are intensifying wildfire frequency and severity.

The world has entered what some experts call the “Pyrocene” era—an age dominated by increasing fire activity, largely driven by human influence. The term, first introduced by fire historian Stephen Pyne in 2015, has gained traction among scientists who study wildfires and their connection to climate change.

Gavin Jones, a United States Forest Service ecologist, described the Pyrocene in a 2023 interview with The Explorers Journal as a period marked by unprecedented fire activity, with human actions as the main catalyst.

This phenomenon is playing out in real time in California, where devastating wildfires continue to wreak havoc. The fires currently tearing through Los Angeles suburbs and surrounding areas have already claimed at least 11 lives, destroyed over 10,000 buildings, and scorched more than 30,000 acres of land—making them among the most destructive in the state’s history.

The Role of Climate Change in Wildfire Escalation

Climate scientists overwhelmingly agree that global warming is contributing to the increasing severity of wildfires worldwide.

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) recently confirmed that 2024 was the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by an average of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This significant warming is leading to more extreme weather conditions, including prolonged droughts and hotter temperatures, which create ideal conditions for wildfires.

A report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that climate change has extended wildfire seasons, increased the frequency of fires, and contributed to larger burn areas. Pyne adds that climate change amplifies existing fire risks, making wildfires more intense and more difficult to control.

What Factors Trigger Wildfires?

The specific causes of the recent California wildfires, which ignited in the Palisades area of Los Angeles, are still under investigation. However, experts suggest that a combination of human activities and environmental conditions created the perfect storm for these fires to spread rapidly.

Southern California has experienced months without significant rainfall, leading to extreme dryness. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of January 7, only 39.1% of California is completely drought-free, while other areas are experiencing varying levels of drought severity.

A year earlier, nearly 97% of California was classified as drought-free, highlighting how rapidly conditions have worsened. The lack of moisture has left vegetation parched and highly flammable, making it easier for fires to ignite and spread.

Adding to the risk, Los Angeles has a large amount of combustible infrastructure, including wooden utility poles and low-hanging power lines. Strong Santa Ana winds have also played a role, carrying embers over long distances and accelerating the spread of flames.

Are Other Natural Disasters Linked to Climate Change?

Wildfires are not the only natural disasters being exacerbated by climate change. Scientists at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warn that if global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, hurricane wind speeds could increase by 10%. Additionally, warming oceans are intensifying cyclones and increasing rainfall, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events worldwide.

For instance, a 2024 report by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) found that climate change-driven seasonal rainfall increases in the Niger and Lake Chad basins contributed to devastating floods in Africa. Similarly, parts of Asia have faced record-breaking floods in recent years, with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reporting that the continent is warming faster than the global average.

Will Wildfires Get Worse If Climate Change Is Left Unchecked?

According to a 2022 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, extreme wildfires are expected to increase by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by the end of the century.

Beyond the immediate destruction, wildfires have long-term consequences. If heavy winter rains arrive after the fires, they could trigger landslides and debris flows, further damaging communities. The cleanup efforts will be costly and time-consuming, adding to the economic burden on affected regions.

Modern homes contain synthetic materials, plastics, and electronics that release toxic chemicals when burned. This poses health risks for both residents and first responders, further complicating disaster recovery efforts.

The Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

Wildfires also have devastating effects on local wildlife. While some species can flee from fast-moving flames, others—particularly slower-moving animals—are often unable to escape. Habitat destruction can force animals to migrate to new areas, disrupting ecosystems and food chains.

California is home to 700 vertebrate species, including 33 snake species that are endemic to the state. Conservation biologist Michael Starkey warns that rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are making some habitats uninhabitable for certain species. If key predators, such as snakes, decline in number, it could lead to unchecked rodent populations, affecting agriculture and food supplies.

Similarly, wildfires threaten California’s spotted owl population, which relies on old-growth forests for nesting. John Keane, an ecologist with the Pacific Southwest Research Station, cautions that the destruction of these habitats could lead to a decline in owl numbers, further disrupting the region’s biodiversity.

What’s Next?

With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, experts stress the importance of proactive measures to mitigate future disasters. Strengthening infrastructure, improving forest management practices, and reducing carbon emissions are all critical steps in addressing the root causes of these devastating fires.

Governor Gavin Newsom has echoed the sentiment that California no longer has a “fire season”—wildfires are now a year-round reality. As climate change continues to accelerate, tackling the underlying environmental factors driving these disasters will be key to protecting communities, wildlife, and the environment.