On a special summer episode of Energy vs Climate, we’re addressing the record-setting wildfires that Canada has been experiencing this summer. We're joined by molecular paleoecologist Allison Karp to examine how fire has changed across geologic timescales and how much of this year's wildfires we can attribute to climate change.
EPISODE NOTESAllison Karp, paleoecologist at Yale and Brown University
Earliest evidence of wildfire found in Wales 430 million years ago, BBC, original journal article here
Indigenous fire management and traditional knowledge
Record-setting climate enabled the extraordinary 2020 fire season in the western United States
Data attribution is political: Trump Blames Wildfires on Poor Forest Management. Biden Focuses on Climate Change
Politics aside, 1/2 to 2/3 of wildfires attributed to climate change due to increased aridity
Economic toll and health impacts of wildfires
Estimated 25% increase in particulate matter at size less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) attributed to wildfires
Dr. Frances Moore and the shifting baseline syndrome
More from paleoecologist, Allison Karp:
energyvsclimate.com
@EnergyvsClimate