California wildfires

California wildfires have caused nearly 30 deaths, evacuation of hundreds of thousands, could cost around 0.8% of US GDP. Tens of thousands of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Many residents and communities have lost everything. Scientists say that climate change has considerably accentuated climate swings of heavy rainfall some years then very dry periods (as California’s Autumn and Winter 2024). This accentuates growth of vegetation, which then dries. Climate change can also accentuate high winds. Economists estimate that the fires will be the “costliest climate disaster” in US history, with costs of a quarter of a trillion US$ (US Gross Domestic Product is 30 tr$) resulting in a 0.2% drag on first-quarter US growth and 20 – 40 000 lost jobs. PIN fire retardants, often ammonium phosphate (which is an inorganic phosphorus nitrogen chemical used as a fertiliser), are widely used to increase the efficiency of water used to fight wildfires, but despite the dedication and bravery of firefighters, this can only reduce damage in such huge wildfires.

“Climate 'whiplash' linked to raging LA fires”, BBC, 8 January 2025 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0ewe4p9128o

“Economists say Los Angeles fire to have limited national economic impact”, Reuters, 14 January 2025 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/economists-say-los-angeles-fire-have-limited-national-economic-impact-2025-01-14/

“What is the pink powder sprayed over the California wildfires?”, NBC News, 16 January 2025 https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/pink-powder-fire-retardant-california-wildfires-rcna187620