(AlterNet) -- The hundreds of fires hitting California right now are a wake-up call
to both government and California residents: we're unprepared for a
rapid climate change crackling at our doorstep.
The
facts are unequivocal, and point to a troubling future ahead. Over 850
fires, scorching some 200,000 acres, have set a new 2008 record for
early-season wildfires in California. And from March to May
precipitation has been the lowest since the inception of record keeping
in 1894. In California as well as throughout the West, mountain
snowmelts are occurring earlier, and winter storms are arriving later,
extending the fire season by at least several weeks.
On June 5,
2008 Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state-wide drought. Droughts
fuel wildfires. Across western North America global warming has caused
prolonged droughts -- some areas are now entering their 13th year --
and warmer temperatures. These are the same kind of conditions that led
to the mega fires of 2003 and 2007.
What's more, in California
and throughout the West, millions of acres of drought have created
tinder-dry kindling through weakened forests that have been ravaged by
billions of indigenous bark beetles and disease. Currently, there is no
serious policy being implemented to clear out these dead trees,
fireproof communities and inform residents of a plan of action.
Why is this happening?
more
READ MORE: AlterNet
Last update : 01-08-2008 18:10
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