The theory of the “Pyrocene” was first introduced by fire historian Stephen Pyne in 2015. According to United States Forest Service ecologist Gavin Jones, the Pyrocene is the current era in which humans are experiencing increased fire activity. Human activity is the key driver behind this phenomenon. The wildfires currently devastating suburbs of Los Angeles in California have already claimed 11 lives, destroyed over 30,000 acres of land, and more than 10,000 buildings, making them the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history. Climate scientists are increasingly concerned that climate change is exacerbating these fires as they become more frequent and intense around the world. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in a video that there is no longer a fire “season” in California, as wildfires are now a year-round threat in the state. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that global temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius in 2024, pushing the world towards unprecedented temperatures. Climate change has contributed to the increase in frequency, season length, and burned area of wildfires, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The extremely dry conditions in California, exacerbated by lack of rainfall and drought, have made vegetation highly flammable, leading to rapid spread of fires. Climate change has also been linked to other natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones, and floods, with experts warning that these events will worsen if climate change is not addressed. Wildfires are expected to increase globally, damaging ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and leading to potential extinction of species. The impact of wildfires on wildlife and ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences, affecting entire food systems and biodiversity.
