Based on my own training in environmental science, I can say that virtually all phenomena in nature have multiple, interacting causes. To synthesize what I’ve read about the wildfires on Maui, the direct factors were: invasive grass species which have taken over much of the land area after the sugar cane and pineapple plantations shut down decades ago; a flash drought on the island; and high winds from Hurricane Dora. A flash drought means it’s hot and dry enough to pull moisture out of the plants and the ground, so the conditions on the island were very, very dry. The dry grasses burn quickly and intensely, and the fire was fanned by 70-80MPH winds from the hurricane passing by in the Pacific Ocean.
Climate change has a role in making flash droughts much more likely, and more intense. It also helps fuel bigger, stronger hurricanes. Thus, a flash drought coinciding with a hurricane is much more likely due to it.
How is this fire related to climate change? Genuine question because I don’t understand the connection
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Changes to rain patterns, higher temperatures drying vegetation…what might have been minor or even nothing can now become an inferno.
Based on my own training in environmental science, I can say that virtually all phenomena in nature have multiple, interacting causes. To synthesize what I’ve read about the wildfires on Maui, the direct factors were: invasive grass species which have taken over much of the land area after the sugar cane and pineapple plantations shut down decades ago; a flash drought on the island; and high winds from Hurricane Dora. A flash drought means it’s hot and dry enough to pull moisture out of the plants and the ground, so the conditions on the island were very, very dry. The dry grasses burn quickly and intensely, and the fire was fanned by 70-80MPH winds from the hurricane passing by in the Pacific Ocean.
Climate change has a role in making flash droughts much more likely, and more intense. It also helps fuel bigger, stronger hurricanes. Thus, a flash drought coinciding with a hurricane is much more likely due to it.
Thank you for the detailed explanation!
If only I had Lemmy silver to give