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California Wildfires Are Five Times Bigger Than They Used to Be

California wildfires grew five times larger from 1971 to 2021 due to climate change, with a 50% increase predicted by 2050. Greenhouse gases from human activities worsen wildfires worldwide.

1 min read
  • California wildfires burned five times more area from 1971 to 2021, due to climate change.
  • Scientists predict a 50% increase in burned area by 2050.
  • Greenhouse gases from human activities worsen wildfires worldwide.
  • Temperature is the most significant factor in the increase of burned area.
  • Climate change exacerbates drying of the climate, increasing fire risk.
California Wildfires Are Five Times Bigger Than They Used to Be
Summer fires in the state consume several times more area than they did a few decades ago, scientists say, an increase driven largely by climate change. 
BloombergEric Roston

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