A new study has found that human-caused climate change significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fueled the recent devastating Southern California wildfires. While the study focused on the fire weather index, it revealed a 35% higher probability and 6% greater intensity of these conditions due to global warming.
WASHINGTON — Human-caused climate change increased the likelihood and intensity of the hot, dry and windy conditions that fanned the flames of the recent devastating Southern California wildfires, a scientific study found.on weeks of burning appears relatively small compared to previous studies of killer heat waves, floods and droughts by the international team at.
“The number doesn't sound like much” because unlike dozens of its past studies, the team looked at a small area and a complex meteorological measurement in the fire weather index that would generally mean there would be large uncertainties, said Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London. But in this case the climate change fingerprint is big enough that it stands out, she said.
Abatzoglou said it's like a bunch of switches — dryness, fuels, high temperatures, wind and ignition — that all need to be turned on “for conditions to really take off.” Think of it as switches for a light bulb to illuminate — “and so you can think about the artificial warming due to human-caused climate change making the light brighter,” added co-author Park Williams, a UCLA fire and climate scientist.
The research couldn’t specifically quantify how much, if any, climate change affected the Santa Ana winds.
CLIMATE CHANGE WILDFIRES CALIFORNIA SANTA ANA WINDS DROUGHT
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California Wildfires Fueled by Dry Spell and Climate ChangeThe combination of prolonged drought, strong winds, and rising temperatures has created ideal conditions for devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. While experts acknowledge the role of climate change, the exact extent of its contribution remains under investigation.
Read more »
California Wildfires Fueled by Climate Change and Dry ConditionsA combination of drought, strong winds, and rising temperatures has created ideal conditions for raging wildfires in Los Angeles. While the exact role of climate change is still being studied, scientists agree that it is intensifying heat and contributing to a longer fire season. The blazes have also reignited debates about suburban sprawl, forest management, and the impact of human activity on the environment.
Read more »
Climate Accountability: Philippines to Pass Legislation Holding Corporations Responsible for Climate ChangeThe Philippines is set to pass the Climate Accountability (Clima) Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at holding corporations responsible for their contributions to climate change. The bill, modeled after the Climate Change Superfund Act recently enacted in New York, seeks to generate financial resources from businesses to support climate-related projects and assist affected communities.
Read more »
Plane Crash Kills Two, Injures 19 in Southern California Furniture FactoryA small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in Fullerton, California, resulting in two fatalities and 19 injuries. The deceased were believed to be on the plane, while the injured were inside the building.
Read more »
Devastating Winter Fires Sweep Southern CaliforniaSouthern California is facing its most destructive winter fire season in over 40 years, fueled by a unique combination of extreme weather conditions.
Read more »
Santa Ana Winds: A Southern California PhenomenonThis article explains the Santa Ana winds, their formation, and their impact on Southern California, including their role in wildfires.
Read more »