2020 was the year with the worst fire season in California’s history. More than 16 million hectares of land were charred, and 33 people died.
Experts believe that this 2021 fire season will be the same or even worse. This is because the climatic changes registered this year will cause an increase in the drought of the State of California.
For months, state officials have warned about the extreme temperatures that may be recorded. They have also increased the precautions and equipment necessary to prevent further drought.
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has informed that around US $ 500 million will be destined to increase the rescue team in the area. It was also reported that more staff would be hired to support the firefighting team to prevent extreme fires.
Will the measures implemented by the governor work?
Ricardo Álvarez, an expert on climate change, commented during an interview with the Voice of America that the measures that Governor Newsom has taken are useful but only in the medium term.
According to Álvarez, it is necessary to implement new technologies to avoid the extreme expansion of fires in the Californian valleys.
This is because the main cause of fires is drought caused by climate change. For this reason, it is necessary to acquire permanent water pumps in the area that help prevent drought.
–
