Publication: L.A. Times

UCLA Expert: Yizhou Zhuang: Postdoctoral scholar, UCLA Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Synopsis: Although California may be enjoying a lull in this year’s wildfire season — courtesy of a wet winter and a cool spring — scientists say humanity’s relentless burning of fossil fuels has ensured that wildland fires will scorch ever larger portions of the state, perhaps as much as 52% more by midcentury.

UCLA News: Even when considering limitations from that so-called “fire-fuel feedback,” average annual burn areas could see a 3% to 52% increase from 2031 to 2050 depending on future emissions and other variables, a recent UCLA study found. That’s largely because overall temperature increases will continue to prime the landscape for fire, study co-author Zhuang said.

Read more at L.A. Times.