The Reason Behind the Frequent Wildfires in the Eastern Part of the United States
In an effort to combat global warming, the planting of trees across the eastern United States has been on the rise, as noted in a study published in Geophysical Research Letters. However, this increase in greenery might not be all good news.
Climate change has made wildfires increasingly more destructive throughout the world, and the eastern U.S. has seen an unfortunate uptick in these incidents. According to a study led by University of Florida researcher Victoria Donovan, a one percent increase in woody cover leads to a 3.9 percent increase in the odds of a wildfire the next year in the east.
The temperature across the eastern U.S. has dropped by 0.5 degrees F over the last century, compared to the whole nation, which warmed by 1.2 degrees F over the same period. This drop in temperature suggests that current tree planting efforts are a step in the right direction in combating global warming.
However, the rise in wildfire frequencies has been concerning. Certain regions have seen their wildfire frequencies grow tenfold in the last 40 years. UMass Amherst researchers have noted that wildfire occurrences have increased by up to 230 percent due to eight species of nonnative grass. Some recent studies have also suggested that the planting of invasive species can increase wildfire frequency.
Flammable resin being applied to forests by timber companies is one explanation for the increased wildfires in the eastern U.S. Officials encourage thinning out forests and increasing the planting of native vegetation to help prevent more wildfire risk.
University of California, Davis researcher Derek Young reports that some vegetation in harsh sites might actually facilitate tree establishment by providing shade. This could potentially offset some of the risks associated with the increased planting.
Reducing fuel usage is the easiest way to prevent wildfires, according to Donovan. This can be achieved through various means, including controlled burns and forest management practices.
The first significant planting growth of shrubs and trees in the United States, potentially causing an increase in wildfires in recent decades, began notably in the early 20th century with escalating forest management and fire suppression practices, especially since the 1910s to 1930s, which led to denser forests prone to larger fires.
The Center for Biological Diversity has a petition, Save People From Deadly Heat and Smoke, urging for more action to address these issues and prevent further harm. As the balance between tree planting and wildfire prevention continues to be a delicate one, it's clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure a sustainable future for the eastern U.S.
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