Is Climate change the cause of California's Wild Fires? (Essay Sample)

Students Name Instructor’s Name Course Title Date Climate Change and California’s Wildfires The effects of ecological pollution can be dangerous and disastrous. Conservationists always encourage people to avoid careless refuse disposal and other activities such as deforestation that degrade the ecosystem. In addition, recycling is regarded as an effective way of increasing sustainability. Various calamities are caused by environmental degradation such as climate change, which contributes to desertification and destruction of forests by fires. While wildfires cause havoc all over the world, such incidents are known to be prevalent and fatal in the state of California. Such disasters are caused by the impacts of global warming on climate. California’s climate keeps on changing, and it has been deteriorating as time goes by. The area has become extremely dry due to insufficient precipitation, worsening the situation. Although the rampant wildfires in California can be regarded as accidents, the primary cause is climatic variation that is facilitated by the people’s negligence to care for the environment. There has been a significant challenge in controlling wildfires since a long period of drought commenced in California. The consequences of this climate change have led to many wildfires occurring and destroying forests and nearby homes. An analysis conducted discovered that there have been at least 20 intense bushfires over the past 15 years in the state of California (Dunne, Para. 3). However, the fires were not as intense and deadly a few years ago as compared to recent times. It has been established that the wildfires are destroying a large area now, contrary to the damage recorded in the 1980s (Hausfather, Para. 9). Such incidents can only be attributed to climate change because there were no such occurrences initially. The state has recorded the highest number of powerful heats that hit near the mountain, at 121o C (Berardelli, Para. 7). The episode was the highest temperature recorded anywhere globally. The emission of gases from the fossil fuel fumes and other recycled materials can pollute the environment. Such greenhouse emissions contribute to global warming, leading to a change in climate. The atmospheric contamination can also lead to deaths due to the poor quality of air that human beings will inhale in such circumstances. Also, some of the residents of California risk their lives by moving to the areas close to the forests and hills (Times, Para. 11). When fossil fuels like natural gases are burnt in the air, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the air, contributing to the change in climatic patterns. Global warming is a consequence of human activities. Carbon monoxide gas, which is usually emitted to the air accumulates and traps heat, which may accelerate burning of forests when flames are sparked. Most people in California use cars every day. The gas emitted to the atmosphere by these vehicles causes air contamination. Therefore, when air is filled with fossil fuel gases, the ozone layer is altered and there is likely a high probability of climate change. Therefore, the weather patterns become inconsistent, and extended dry periods are experienced in the region. Since California’s climate has become dry, it is characterized by frequent wildfires that cause significant destruction. Although climate change is the key cause of fires, the nature of forests also facilitates the occurrence of such incidences. The woodlands in California contain tree species such as pine, which are flammable in case of an explosion. The climate in California is characterized by excessive heat, making the area arid. For a long period now, there has been minimal rainfall in the area. In addition, the temperatures have been high. Weather conditions in the region increase the probability of wildfire occurrences. Negligence among the residents is another factor that increases the prevalence of wildfires in the area. For instance, some people do not take necessary precautions when they camp in some of the forests within the state. In such cases, the people leave campfires unattended, resulting in flames. However, since the area has become dry due to climatic conditions, major damages are made by the fire. Another real problem is the wild winds of Santa Ana that facilitate the spread of the flames within the forests at a high speed. The 2018 wildfire was the fatal as it burnt down millions of acres of vegetation, killed numerous people, and left thousands of others homeless. It is suggested that the forests in California should be managed appropriately to limit the occurrence of fires (Kane, Para. 2). People will have to be careful with their activities to avoid causing climate change. Planting of more trees may he...