The firestorm in America
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On Tuesday, January 7, a wildfire that broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains, spanning the Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas on the western coast of Los Angeles County, Southern California, is rapidly spreading as a terrifying firestorm to more areas. As of Monday morning, according to reports, the fire that spread across 23,713 acres has devastated the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas. 24 people have burned to death, and 15,000 buildings have been destroyed. More than 150,000 people have been left homeless. Although firefighters are working tirelessly to control the blaze, authorities say that resettlement efforts in the scorched areas will not begin before Thursday. The fire, which remains uncontrolled, is becoming one of the largest disasters in American history. The estimated damage so far stands at 150 billion dollars. This week, the warning of extremely strong winds is further frightening America. The threat of wildfires has now reached even Vice President Kamala Harris's residence. This area, where the mountains meet the coastline, is home to many of America's most famous and wealthy individuals, including major Hollywood stars. According to data released by a private agency last year, Los Angeles is home to 212,100 multi-millionaires and 43 billionaires. On the other hand, it also has the highest number of homeless people in the country (75,000). Middle-class and working-class people find themselves caught in between. This is not a battle fire between great powers, but a natural disaster caused by extreme wildfire winds. There is no distinction between the ruler and the ruled in this.
Reports of the wild fire came out last Tuesday at 10.30 am local time. By that time, the fire had intensified in the Santa Monica mountain range, and the conflagration was spreading. Several speculations about where and how the fire started have been circulating, but investigators have not yet reached a definitive conclusion. The Governor has stated that a fire season has formed in California and that it is impossible to predict where or how it will end. Despite receiving information that the fire had started, no efforts were made to control the blaze. Complaints are widespread, with America, which is quick to jump into action to burn other regions, being unable to do anything for the safety of its own citizens. America has failed to implement administrative measures to prevent the recurring wildfires each year. Additionally, America is criticized for repeatedly delaying efforts to overcome the serious crisis of climate change. U.S. Forest Service ecologist Gavin Jones in 2023 predicted an increase in wildfire occurrences. The intensifying droughts and longer dry seasons caused by global warming are expected to bring about disasters at any time. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also issued a clear warning on this issue. However, the government has not yet taken proactive steps to counter these impending threats.
American expert Stephen Pyne, who has conducted authentic studies on wildfires, states that the disaster in California is man-made. There is little doubt that Los Angeles's experience will spread further if the severe climate change issues are not recognized and deliberate efforts are not made to mitigate them. Last year, only 39.1% of California received rainfall, while the remaining areas experienced extreme dryness. Such drought conditions adversely affect the vegetation in forested regions. Dry forests and grasslands can ignite and spread with even a small spark. Studies also reveal that low-hanging power cables and wooden telephone poles significantly increase the likelihood and spread of fires.
Even in addressing such failures, the administration shows a lack of vigilance. They show no interest in adopting clear policies on critical issues like climate change, which require a commitment to long-term preventive measures. Thus, when climate change, flawed urban planning, and mismanaged crisis and disaster management collide, as seen in California, all that the people including those in authority can do is stand helplessly and watch the crisis erupt. Undoubtedly, such natural disasters are the repercussions of humanity’s self-inflicted harm. Now, if the big powers who ignite the flames of war in Palestine, various parts of West Asia, and Ukraine, and sow seeds of aggression against humanity through climate change that exacerbates human suffering across generations, suffer a retaliation through these events, that can serve as a reminder to curb their tyranny and then with no doubt it would be a relief for both them and the world.
