The intense wildfire that has forced thousands of people to evacuate
Fort McMurray and surrounding areas in Alberta arrived early in the
wildfire season, fueled by hot, windy weather. Scientists say big fires
will ignite sooner and sooner in the year in the western U.S. and Canada
as the snow pack continues to dwindle during warmer winters or dries
out sooner during warmer springs, leaving terrain parched for more weeks
of the year. In the American West a 1-degree Celsius rise in average
temperature could increase the annual acreage burned by up to 600
percent in certain regions.
Catastrophic Canadian Wildfire Is a Sign of Destruction to Come - Scientific American
It's hard to fully comprehend the destruction caused by global warming since it impacts literally every part of our ecosystem and wildfires are certainly something that hadn't crossed my mind. A 656% increase in intensity if the world temperature raises 1 degree is insane! I believe at the Paris Climate Change Summit last summer, they set a goal to prevent temperatures from rising 1.5 degrees, which is not good for the U.S. plains. In many cases wildfires are naturally occuring and can be good for the environment, but not at this level of frequency and destruction.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jay on the destruction done on the earth by global warming. It has been constantly mentioned by many environmentalists and scientists and there are plentiful scientific evidences, but I think it is difficult to fully grasp causes of global warming. Policy makers attempt to limit CO2 emission level, yet I doubt whether environmental policies are implemented or not.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed by the fact how much increase of 1 degree temperature can dramatically increase the intensity of wildfire. The Koch family, who was one of the major causes of Global Warming, should feel guilty, regarding to this issue.
ReplyDeleteI find this interesting because those with large amount of money can also control the amount of global warming that is occurring. I remember Edward's comment a few class periods ago when he spoke about how we have enough technology to make electric cars but we don't because we are so focused on the oil industry. Those people and countries in the oil business are extremely rich and powerful and want to stay this way. So, they are contributing to environmental damage and are restricting innovation to improve the environment for their own gain. Once again, money is power.
ReplyDeleteI think it is time to let the fossil fuel industry die. The technology exists for clean energy and it is essential that measures be taken to mitigate the negative externalities associated with the fossil fuel industry. The ultra-wealthy oil companies will go to war to protect their business, but reform or even revolution is necessary to save this planet.
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