Scientists Struggle to Understand Massive Wildfires' Impact

Facing devastating wildfires in cities like Athens, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, scientists reveal they are far from understanding their effects on humans and nature.


Scientists Struggle to Understand Massive Wildfires' Impact

According to scientists, currently they inadequately understand the various consequences of destructive fires for humanity, nature, and climate. Areas such as Athens, Hawaii, and Los Angeles recently faced destructive wildfires, at the same time as record-breaking fires in Canadian forests. Last year, a group of scientists from various countries warned in their report that the increase in wildfire intensity is a "previously unrecognized hazard, until now inadequately understood," and researchers around the world are striving to understand the origin. They send airplanes, flying through smoke from the fires, analyze images from satellite observations, to assess the impact of wildfires on humans and the planet. Historian Steven Pyne, who specializes in wildfires, says: "Fire has always been humanity's partner, but today it has become our worst enemy."