Featuring Dr. Chris Dicus of Cal Poly, and Dr. David Bowman of the University of Tasmania. These two experts bring an incredible perspective on the wildfires impacting both California and Australia, as well as the patterns around the world.
Dr. Dicus speaks about the various fire risks and causes from wind-events, and downed power lines, to lightning storms and pre-existing unhealthy forest conditions. Dr. Dicus unpacks “fire season” and the changes as a result of climate change. Loss of life, loss of property and environmental damage have all increased in recent years. Moreover, while climate change impacts wildfires, in turn, wildfires are a tremendous source of carbon pollution. Dr. Dicus speaks about the importance of prescribed burns and forest management and breaks down some of the myths about them.
Dr. Bowman speaks about the history of humans and fire, and their co-dependence on fire, from the cars we drive to the way we heat our homes. Dr. Bowman speaks about the correlation between dry, dehydrated landscapes and prolonged fire seasons and gigantic fires. He reminds listeners and that wildfires are indeed extreme weather events. Dr. Bowman warns that the fires on the east side of Australia were so intense they mimicked a medium volcano eruption. As a result, they put Australia on the top greenhouse gas emitter list and impacted Australia’s weather and climate. These fires were not normal fires and their damage was seen around the world.
