1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,200 It's pretty crazy here in LA right now, 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:04,480 I mean with these wildfires. 3 00:00:04,480 --> 00:00:08,720 Yeah, it's definitely a really tough situation here. 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:10,320 I think a lot of people are shocked 5 00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:12,600 that it's happening now, during our wet season. 6 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:13,440 Yeah, for sure. 7 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:15,240 I mean, you always think about wildfires 8 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:16,560 in California during the summer, 9 00:00:16,560 --> 00:00:18,240 but here we are, it's January, 10 00:00:18,240 --> 00:00:19,360 and it feels like the whole city's 11 00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:20,720 just kind of holding its breath. 12 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:22,040 Yeah, and for good reason, 13 00:00:22,040 --> 00:00:24,320 we've got these Santa Ana winds going, 14 00:00:24,320 --> 00:00:26,560 creating some super dangerous conditions. 15 00:00:26,560 --> 00:00:27,920 We're seeing the effects 16 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:31,440 with these three major wildfires burning right now. 17 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:32,880 Okay, so let's get into the details. 18 00:00:32,880 --> 00:00:36,360 So we've got the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire, 19 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:37,960 and the Hearst fire. 20 00:00:37,960 --> 00:00:41,280 Can you give us a sense of where these are all burning 21 00:00:41,280 --> 00:00:42,720 and what the impact has been so far? 22 00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:43,560 Yeah, absolutely. 23 00:00:43,560 --> 00:00:45,280 So the Palisades fire, 24 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:47,240 of course it's burning in Pacific Palisades. 25 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:50,320 It's a really beautiful area, really affluent, 26 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:52,680 known for its views of the coast, 27 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:54,320 and its proximity to the ocean. 28 00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:55,440 Tragically, it's already burned 29 00:00:55,440 --> 00:00:58,680 all the way down to PCH, Pacific Coast Highway, 30 00:00:58,680 --> 00:01:00,640 which is one of the most iconic stretches of road 31 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:01,880 in all of California. 32 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:03,040 Then there's the Eaton fire, 33 00:01:03,040 --> 00:01:05,600 that one's burning near Altadena and Pasadena. 34 00:01:05,600 --> 00:01:08,600 Those communities are in the foothills of the San Gabriels. 35 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:12,080 This fire is especially concerning 36 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:14,080 because it's threatening residential areas, 37 00:01:14,080 --> 00:01:16,800 and those areas are densely populated, 38 00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:19,040 and they're prone to these strong winds. 39 00:01:19,040 --> 00:01:21,160 And then lastly, there's the Hearst fire, 40 00:01:21,160 --> 00:01:23,120 burning in Selmar, Selmar is a neighborhood 41 00:01:23,120 --> 00:01:25,840 in the northern San Fernando Valley. 42 00:01:25,840 --> 00:01:28,920 And Selmar actually has a history with wildfires, 43 00:01:28,920 --> 00:01:32,360 but this one, this one is especially intense, 44 00:01:32,360 --> 00:01:33,280 combined with the winds, 45 00:01:33,280 --> 00:01:35,920 is a really challenging situation for the firefighters. 46 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:37,680 Yeah, I've seen the reports. 47 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:39,960 And the damage is pretty significant, tragically. 48 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:40,920 There's been loss of life. 49 00:01:40,920 --> 00:01:43,400 Yeah, unfortunately, across all three fires, 50 00:01:43,400 --> 00:01:45,520 over a thousand structures have been destroyed. 51 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:48,160 It's a devastating loss for families and communities. 52 00:01:48,160 --> 00:01:50,720 And it's important to remember, it's not just buildings, 53 00:01:50,720 --> 00:01:53,080 these are people's homes, businesses, 54 00:01:53,080 --> 00:01:56,280 people's livelihoods, and sadly, 55 00:01:56,280 --> 00:01:58,640 there have been two confirmed fatalities 56 00:01:58,640 --> 00:02:00,000 in the Eaton fire. 57 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:01,680 And a lot of injuries reported too, 58 00:02:01,680 --> 00:02:03,880 both residents who couldn't evacuate in time, 59 00:02:03,880 --> 00:02:06,440 and the first responders who were battling these fires, 60 00:02:06,440 --> 00:02:08,000 it's just heartbreaking, you know? 61 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:10,800 To think about the human toll that this is taking. 62 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:12,680 You keep mentioning these Santa Ana winds, 63 00:02:12,680 --> 00:02:14,840 and it seems like they're really the driving force 64 00:02:14,840 --> 00:02:17,200 behind how intense these fires are, 65 00:02:17,200 --> 00:02:18,520 and how fast they're spreading. 66 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:19,440 Yeah, absolutely. 67 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:22,400 Santa Ana's are kind of a unique weather phenomenon 68 00:02:22,400 --> 00:02:23,600 here in Southern California, 69 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:26,360 and frankly, they're kind of terrifying. 70 00:02:26,360 --> 00:02:28,000 I mean, they're these extremely dry winds, 71 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:30,160 they originate in the Great Basin, 72 00:02:30,160 --> 00:02:32,240 and the Mojave Desert, 73 00:02:32,240 --> 00:02:34,680 and they pick up this incredible speed 74 00:02:34,680 --> 00:02:37,640 as they're funneled through these canyons, 75 00:02:37,640 --> 00:02:39,040 and valleys in our mountains. 76 00:02:39,040 --> 00:02:40,920 So it's not just that they're strong winds, 77 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:42,640 they're also super dry, 78 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:45,280 which is like the worst possible combination for wildfires. 79 00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:46,960 Exactly, they just suck the moisture 80 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:48,160 out of all the vegetation, 81 00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:50,160 turning everything into a tinderbox. 82 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:51,360 To make matters worse, 83 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:53,160 we're seeing some of the strongest Santa Ana winds 84 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:54,720 in over a decade. 85 00:02:54,720 --> 00:02:58,520 I mean, there have been gusts up to 99 miles per hour 86 00:02:58,520 --> 00:03:00,080 recorded near Altadena, 87 00:03:00,080 --> 00:03:01,480 which, if you think about it, 88 00:03:01,480 --> 00:03:04,080 that's basically the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane. 89 00:03:04,080 --> 00:03:05,880 Wow, that's crazy. 90 00:03:05,880 --> 00:03:08,240 I mean, it really puts it into perspective. 91 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:10,680 You know, why these fires are spreading so quickly, 92 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:12,120 and why they're so hard to contain. 93 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:14,280 Yeah, and the National Weather Service 94 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:15,920 is taking this really seriously. 95 00:03:15,920 --> 00:03:18,600 They've issued these particularly dangerous 96 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:21,480 situation warnings because of these winds. 97 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:22,840 It's rare that they issue those. 98 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:24,160 It's kind of alarming, you know? 99 00:03:24,160 --> 00:03:26,920 It's basically a signal that the fire danger is extreme, 100 00:03:26,920 --> 00:03:29,880 and that we all need to be incredibly vigilant. 101 00:03:29,880 --> 00:03:30,960 You mentioned that these winds 102 00:03:30,960 --> 00:03:34,040 are being compared to that windstorm we had back in 2011. 103 00:03:34,040 --> 00:03:36,040 Can you remind us about that event, 104 00:03:36,040 --> 00:03:39,080 and why that comparison is relevant to what we're seeing now? 105 00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:43,320 Yeah, so the 2011 windstorm was one for the record books. 106 00:03:43,320 --> 00:03:45,840 I mean, it caused damage all across the San Gabriel Valley, 107 00:03:45,840 --> 00:03:47,960 knocking down trees, power lines, 108 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:49,800 even damaging buildings. 109 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:52,680 And what's concerning is that the current winds 110 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:54,160 are being compared to that event 111 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:55,760 in terms of their strength 112 00:03:55,760 --> 00:03:57,600 and their potential to cause disruption. 113 00:03:57,600 --> 00:03:59,600 So we're not just talking about a windy day. 114 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:02,080 We're talking about a potentially historic wind event. 115 00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:04,480 That's creating a perfect storm for these wildfires. 116 00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:07,880 Exactly, and these winds are grounding aircraft, 117 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:09,800 making it almost impossible to predict 118 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:11,240 where the fire is gonna go next, 119 00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:14,120 and they're even carrying burning embers for miles, 120 00:04:14,120 --> 00:04:17,440 starting new fires really far from the original blaze. 121 00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:20,200 I mean, it's a nightmare scenario for firefighters 122 00:04:20,200 --> 00:04:22,080 and a real threat to the communities 123 00:04:22,080 --> 00:04:23,920 in the paths of these fires. 124 00:04:23,920 --> 00:04:25,840 It's a nightmare scenario for firefighters 125 00:04:25,840 --> 00:04:27,240 and a real threat to the communities 126 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:28,480 in the paths of these fires. 127 00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:31,840 Okay, so we've talked about these crazy Santa Ana winds, 128 00:04:31,840 --> 00:04:33,400 but it's not just the wind, right? 129 00:04:33,400 --> 00:04:35,800 We're also in the middle of a pretty serious drought 130 00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:36,920 here in Southern California. 131 00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:37,800 Yeah, absolutely. 132 00:04:37,800 --> 00:04:39,560 That's really what's making this whole situation 133 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:40,800 so explosive. 134 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:43,760 We've had a super dry start to our wet season. 135 00:04:43,760 --> 00:04:45,560 I mean, to give you an idea, 136 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:46,960 San Diego has only gotten something 137 00:04:46,960 --> 00:04:50,080 like 0.14 inches of rain since October, 138 00:04:50,080 --> 00:04:52,480 which is just a tiny fraction of what they normally get. 139 00:04:52,480 --> 00:04:55,680 Wow, 0.14 inches, that's barely anything. 140 00:04:55,680 --> 00:04:57,800 I can't even imagine how dry it must be out there. 141 00:04:57,800 --> 00:05:00,080 It's incredibly dry, all the vegetation is parched, 142 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:03,320 and all it takes is a tiny spark to start a huge fire. 143 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:05,040 Right, so you've got this tinderbox landscape 144 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:08,680 ready to burn, and then you add these hurricane force winds, 145 00:05:08,680 --> 00:05:11,400 which are not only making the fires worse, 146 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:13,720 but they're also spreading embers all over the place, 147 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,120 starting new fires miles away. 148 00:05:16,120 --> 00:05:17,600 It's a recipe for disaster. 149 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:21,240 Exactly, and that brings us to this uncomfortable truth, 150 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:23,960 that we can't ignore climate change. 151 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:25,920 Right, it feels like we're seeing more and more 152 00:05:25,920 --> 00:05:27,760 of these extreme weather events, 153 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:30,520 like intense heat waves, droughts, 154 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:33,360 or like in this case, these powerful windstorms. 155 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:34,760 Is there a direct connection 156 00:05:34,760 --> 00:05:37,240 between what we're seeing now and climate change? 157 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:39,560 Well, the connection is becoming more and more clear. 158 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:42,360 Climate change is intensifying what scientists call 159 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:45,200 hydroclimate extremes, meaning we're seeing 160 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:47,640 both more intense droughts and more intense periods 161 00:05:47,640 --> 00:05:48,480 of rainfall. 162 00:05:48,480 --> 00:05:50,640 So it's kind of like this weird weather whiplash, 163 00:05:50,640 --> 00:05:52,440 where you swing from one extreme to the other. 164 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:54,880 Exactly, and this kind of variability makes places 165 00:05:54,880 --> 00:05:58,000 like Southern California super vulnerable to wildfires. 166 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,080 You have these long periods of dryness, 167 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:02,720 which creates the perfect conditions for a fire, 168 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:06,720 and then, when you add in a blast of hot summer weather 169 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:09,960 or strong winds, you get these massive fires. 170 00:06:09,960 --> 00:06:12,280 And what's scary is that we're seeing these conditions 171 00:06:12,280 --> 00:06:15,520 during what's supposed to be a wetter, cooler time of year. 172 00:06:15,520 --> 00:06:17,320 Makes you wonder if this is the new normal 173 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:18,680 for Southern California. 174 00:06:18,680 --> 00:06:20,520 Well, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? 175 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:22,840 And it's something that scientists and policymakers 176 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:24,280 are grappling with right now. 177 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:26,560 So while firefighters are busy battling 178 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:29,600 these current fires, what can we do long term 179 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:31,840 to reduce the risk of these fires 180 00:06:31,840 --> 00:06:34,560 and adapt to this potential new reality? 181 00:06:34,560 --> 00:06:37,440 Well, there are a number of things that need to happen. 182 00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:40,360 First and foremost, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 183 00:06:40,360 --> 00:06:41,720 They're driving climate change 184 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:44,600 and contributing to these more exhalant weather patterns. 185 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:47,480 That means transitioning to renewable energy sources, 186 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:49,760 reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, 187 00:06:49,760 --> 00:06:52,360 and even making changes in our daily lives 188 00:06:52,360 --> 00:06:54,520 to reduce our own carbon footprint. 189 00:06:54,520 --> 00:06:56,760 So our individual actions do matter, 190 00:06:56,760 --> 00:06:59,240 even when it comes to something as big as climate change. 191 00:06:59,240 --> 00:07:01,320 Absolutely, every little bit helps. 192 00:07:01,320 --> 00:07:04,680 But we also need large scale policy changes 193 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:08,280 and investments in things like renewable energy infrastructure, 194 00:07:08,280 --> 00:07:10,120 sustainable agriculture, 195 00:07:10,120 --> 00:07:11,880 and forest management practices 196 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:13,880 that help reduce the risk of these fires. 197 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:15,520 Speaking of forest management, 198 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:18,920 I know that's been a big topic of debate here in California. 199 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:22,320 What role does forest management play in all of this? 200 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:24,640 Forest management is incredibly important, 201 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:26,760 especially in places like Southern California, 202 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:30,640 where you have this interface between wild land and urban areas. 203 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:32,840 I mean, we have homes and communities built 204 00:07:32,840 --> 00:07:35,480 right next to forests and wild areas. 205 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:38,520 One of the key strategies is controlled burns, 206 00:07:38,520 --> 00:07:40,840 which are basically intentionally set fires 207 00:07:40,840 --> 00:07:43,840 that help reduce the amount of dry brush and undergrowth 208 00:07:43,840 --> 00:07:46,240 that can fuel bigger wildfires. 209 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:48,680 So it's kind of like fighting fire with fire, 210 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:50,600 but in a controlled and strategic way. 211 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:52,760 Exactly, it's a practice that indigenous communities 212 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:54,840 have actually been using for centuries 213 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:57,880 to manage the land and prevent catastrophic fires. 214 00:07:57,880 --> 00:07:58,800 That makes a lot of sense, 215 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:01,480 but I imagine it's not easy to do controlled burns, 216 00:08:01,480 --> 00:08:03,760 especially in areas that are so densely populated. 217 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:06,880 Yeah, there are definitely logistical and safety concerns 218 00:08:06,880 --> 00:08:08,200 that need to be considered, 219 00:08:08,200 --> 00:08:10,560 but it's a tool that's becoming more and more important 220 00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:13,520 as we face this growing threat of wildfires. 221 00:08:13,520 --> 00:08:15,480 And what about other forest management strategies? 222 00:08:15,480 --> 00:08:18,040 Are there any other things being used or considered? 223 00:08:18,040 --> 00:08:21,720 Yeah, there's things like thinning out dense forests, 224 00:08:21,720 --> 00:08:24,920 creating fuel breaks, and encouraging homeowners 225 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:28,200 to create defensible spaces around their properties. 226 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:30,160 By clearing brush and vegetation, 227 00:08:30,160 --> 00:08:32,400 it's all about reducing the amount of fuel 228 00:08:32,400 --> 00:08:34,880 and making it more difficult for fires to spread. 229 00:08:34,880 --> 00:08:36,560 So it's a multi-pronged approach, 230 00:08:36,560 --> 00:08:38,320 combining individual responsibility 231 00:08:38,320 --> 00:08:40,240 with larger scale land management practices. 232 00:08:40,240 --> 00:08:42,840 Exactly, and it's gonna take collaboration from everyone, 233 00:08:42,840 --> 00:08:46,720 policymakers, scientists, land managers, 234 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:50,520 and everyday citizens to effectively address this challenge. 235 00:08:50,520 --> 00:08:52,240 We talked about the impact these fires are having 236 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:53,560 on people who live here, 237 00:08:53,560 --> 00:08:55,600 but what about the economic impact? 238 00:08:55,600 --> 00:08:58,160 These fires have gotta be having a devastating impact 239 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:00,360 on businesses and the overall economy. 240 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:02,920 Oh, absolutely, the economic toll is huge, 241 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:04,000 and it's multifaceted. 242 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:06,400 You have the immediate costs of firefighting, 243 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:09,080 emergency response, and rebuilding, 244 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:11,040 which can be billions of dollars. 245 00:09:11,040 --> 00:09:12,800 But then there are the long-term costs too, 246 00:09:12,800 --> 00:09:16,160 like lost tourism revenue, decreased property values, 247 00:09:16,160 --> 00:09:18,640 and the disruption of businesses and supply chains. 248 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:20,560 So it's not just the immediate damage, 249 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:23,280 but this ripple effect that can last for years. 250 00:09:23,280 --> 00:09:24,880 Exactly, and it's important to remember 251 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:26,960 that these economic impacts often hit those 252 00:09:26,960 --> 00:09:29,280 who are already struggling the hardest, 253 00:09:29,280 --> 00:09:32,360 low-income communities, small businesses, 254 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:34,960 people who rely on tourism to make a living. 255 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:37,400 So it makes existing inequalities even worse. 256 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:40,680 Unfortunately, yes, and it really highlights the need 257 00:09:40,680 --> 00:09:42,960 for solutions that are equitable, 258 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:44,760 solutions that address the immediate needs 259 00:09:44,760 --> 00:09:46,160 of those affected by these fires, 260 00:09:46,160 --> 00:09:49,000 but also the long-term systemic issues 261 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,120 that make certain communities more vulnerable 262 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:52,680 to these kinds of disasters. 263 00:09:52,680 --> 00:09:55,160 You mentioned earlier that the National Weather Service 264 00:09:55,160 --> 00:09:59,800 has issued these particularly dangerous situation warnings. 265 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:01,320 Can you explain what those are 266 00:10:01,320 --> 00:10:04,000 and what they mean for people in Southern California? 267 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:05,920 Sure, so these warnings are issued 268 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:07,800 when you have a bunch of extreme weather conditions 269 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:09,000 all happening at the same time 270 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:11,360 that create a really high risk of wildfires. 271 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:14,520 In this case, it's the Santa Ana wines, 272 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:17,840 the low humidity, and the dry vegetation, basically. 273 00:10:17,840 --> 00:10:19,400 It means that any little spark, 274 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:21,840 whether it's a downed power line, 275 00:10:21,840 --> 00:10:24,000 a carelessly discarded cigarette, 276 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:27,120 or even a car's exhaust, could start a major wildfire. 277 00:10:27,120 --> 00:10:30,960 So it's a sign to be extra careful and take precautions. 278 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:32,000 What should people be doing 279 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:33,720 when these warnings are in effect? 280 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:35,560 Well, the most important thing 281 00:10:35,560 --> 00:10:37,560 is to be aware of your surroundings 282 00:10:37,560 --> 00:10:40,720 and stay informed about the fire conditions in your area. 283 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:42,240 You can sign up for emergency alerts 284 00:10:42,240 --> 00:10:45,200 from your local government, monitor news reports, 285 00:10:45,200 --> 00:10:48,600 and check the National Weather Service website for updates. 286 00:10:48,600 --> 00:10:50,480 So stay informed, what else? 287 00:10:50,480 --> 00:10:52,480 Have an evacuation plan ready, 288 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:55,040 especially if you live in a fire prone area. 289 00:10:55,040 --> 00:10:56,720 Know your evacuation routes, 290 00:10:56,720 --> 00:10:58,480 have a go bag packed with essentials, 291 00:10:58,480 --> 00:10:59,920 and make sure your family knows what to do 292 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:01,400 if there's an evacuation order. 293 00:11:01,400 --> 00:11:02,720 So being prepared is key? 294 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:03,720 Absolutely. 295 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:04,720 And there are things you can do 296 00:11:04,720 --> 00:11:06,440 to reduce the risk around your home, 297 00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:08,360 like clearing brush and vegetation 298 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:10,200 within 100 feet of your house, 299 00:11:10,200 --> 00:11:12,360 making sure your gutters are clean, 300 00:11:12,360 --> 00:11:16,080 and being super careful with any potential fire sources, 301 00:11:16,080 --> 00:11:18,360 like barbecues or machinery. 302 00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:21,040 So it sounds like it takes both individual responsibility 303 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:23,040 and community-wide preparedness 304 00:11:23,040 --> 00:11:25,240 to deal with this threat of wildfires. 305 00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:26,280 Exactly. 306 00:11:26,280 --> 00:11:28,480 And it's a reminder that we can't just rely 307 00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:30,720 on firefighters to protect us. 308 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:33,040 We all have a part to play in reducing this risk, 309 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:34,640 and adapting to a future 310 00:11:34,640 --> 00:11:37,480 where these kinds of events might happen more often 311 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:39,280 and be more intense. 312 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:41,760 Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground here, 313 00:11:41,760 --> 00:11:43,720 from the immediate danger of these wildfires 314 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:45,960 to the long-term challenge of climate change, 315 00:11:45,960 --> 00:11:47,720 and what we can do to adapt. 316 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:49,840 Is there anything else in the research you've been doing 317 00:11:49,840 --> 00:11:51,480 that's stood out to you? 318 00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:53,760 Any surprising details or insights 319 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:55,520 that you think our listeners should know? 320 00:11:55,520 --> 00:11:57,600 You know, one thing I found really interesting 321 00:11:57,600 --> 00:11:59,400 is the difference between what's happening 322 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:00,600 in Southern California, 323 00:12:00,600 --> 00:12:01,720 and what's happening up North. 324 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:04,880 I mean, down here, we're dealing with this record dry spell 325 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:07,000 in these horrible wildfires, 326 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,480 but Northern California has been getting tons of rain 327 00:12:09,480 --> 00:12:12,240 this winter, thanks to those atmospheric rivers. 328 00:12:12,240 --> 00:12:13,080 Right. 329 00:12:13,080 --> 00:12:14,240 You mentioned earlier that Eureka 330 00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:16,280 got over 23 inches of rain, 331 00:12:16,280 --> 00:12:19,280 while San Diego only got 0.14 inches. 332 00:12:19,280 --> 00:12:21,080 It's hard to believe they're in the same state. 333 00:12:21,080 --> 00:12:24,840 Yeah, it really shows how much weather patterns can vary, 334 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:27,200 even within a relatively small area. 335 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:29,200 And it makes you think about how climate change 336 00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:32,120 might affect regional rainfall patterns in the future. 337 00:12:32,120 --> 00:12:35,000 So while we're battling drought and wildfires down here, 338 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:36,440 they're dealing with potential flooding 339 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:38,840 in landslides up North. 340 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:40,600 It shows that climate change really does affect 341 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:42,080 different regions in different ways. 342 00:12:42,080 --> 00:12:46,200 Exactly, and it just emphasizes the need for adaptation 343 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:50,160 and mitigation strategies that are tailored to each region. 344 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,960 What works in one place might not work somewhere else. 345 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:53,800 That's a great point. 346 00:12:53,800 --> 00:12:55,120 It makes you wonder if there are ways 347 00:12:55,120 --> 00:12:58,200 to better manage water resources across the state. 348 00:12:58,200 --> 00:12:59,040 Yeah. 349 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:01,760 Maybe transferring water from areas that have a lot 350 00:13:01,760 --> 00:13:03,480 to areas that are really dry. 351 00:13:03,480 --> 00:13:06,600 Yeah, it's a complex issue with a lot of political, 352 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:09,480 economic, and environmental implications. 353 00:13:09,480 --> 00:13:11,560 But it's definitely a conversation worth having, 354 00:13:11,560 --> 00:13:13,640 especially as we face these growing challenges 355 00:13:13,640 --> 00:13:15,440 of a change in climate. 356 00:13:15,440 --> 00:13:17,360 It seems like we keep coming back to this idea 357 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:18,480 of interconnectedness. 358 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:20,160 What happens in one part of the state, 359 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:21,800 or even in one part of the world, 360 00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:23,640 can have ripple effects everywhere else. 361 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:25,760 Absolutely, and that's why it's so important 362 00:13:25,760 --> 00:13:28,560 to approach these challenges holistically. 363 00:13:28,560 --> 00:13:32,000 We have to recognize how interconnected our environment is 364 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:34,160 and how much we need to work together. 365 00:13:34,160 --> 00:13:35,920 We can't just focus on our own backyard. 366 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:37,720 We have to think about the bigger picture. 367 00:13:37,720 --> 00:13:40,360 So it's not just about Southern California 368 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:42,960 or Northern California, it's about all of us. 369 00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:46,640 Working together to understand, adapt, 370 00:13:46,640 --> 00:13:49,080 and build a more resilient future 371 00:13:49,080 --> 00:13:50,920 in the face of a changing climate. 372 00:13:50,920 --> 00:13:52,840 Absolutely, and that's why it's so important 373 00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:55,600 to approach these challenges holistically. 374 00:13:55,600 --> 00:13:58,880 We have to recognize how interconnected our environment is 375 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:00,320 and how much we need to work together. 376 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:02,000 We can't just focus on our own backyard. 377 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:04,040 We have to think about the bigger picture. 378 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,200 Yeah, it's easy to feel overwhelmed 379 00:14:06,200 --> 00:14:08,480 when you think about how big this problem is. 380 00:14:08,480 --> 00:14:09,840 But I also think it's helpful to remember 381 00:14:09,840 --> 00:14:11,560 that we're not alone in this. 382 00:14:11,560 --> 00:14:13,200 I mean, there are people all over the world 383 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:15,840 working on solutions, and we can all play a part. 384 00:14:15,840 --> 00:14:17,400 Yeah, that's a great point. 385 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:18,480 You know, we often get caught up 386 00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:20,640 in the negative side of climate change. 387 00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:22,920 But there's some pretty amazing stuff happening too, 388 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:25,280 both with technology and policy. 389 00:14:25,280 --> 00:14:26,840 That gives me hope for the future. 390 00:14:26,840 --> 00:14:27,960 So what are some of the things 391 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:30,160 that are making you feel hopeful? 392 00:14:30,160 --> 00:14:32,200 What are some of the innovations or solutions 393 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:34,520 that you find particularly exciting? 394 00:14:34,520 --> 00:14:35,840 Well, on the technology side, 395 00:14:35,840 --> 00:14:37,360 there's been a lot of progress 396 00:14:37,360 --> 00:14:41,200 with renewable energy storage and carbon capture. 397 00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:43,920 Those are all really important for reducing emissions. 398 00:14:43,920 --> 00:14:47,200 Right, because we need to not only stop using fossil fuels, 399 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:49,480 but also find ways to get rid of the carbon 400 00:14:49,480 --> 00:14:50,760 that's already in the atmosphere. 401 00:14:50,760 --> 00:14:53,280 Exactly, and there are some really promising things 402 00:14:53,280 --> 00:14:54,360 happening in that area, 403 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,000 like direct air capture, 404 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:59,000 which basically sucks carbon dioxide right out of the air. 405 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:00,520 That sounds like science fiction. 406 00:15:00,520 --> 00:15:03,600 It does, right, but it's becoming a reality. 407 00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:05,160 And then when it comes to policy, 408 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:08,240 we're seeing more cities, states, and countries 409 00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:11,480 setting ambitious climate goals and investing in solutions. 410 00:15:11,480 --> 00:15:12,920 Like California is planning to use 411 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:15,440 100% renewable energy by 2045. 412 00:15:15,440 --> 00:15:18,520 Exactly, and the more we see those kinds of commitments, 413 00:15:18,520 --> 00:15:20,920 the more pressure it puts on other governments 414 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:22,400 and businesses to do the same. 415 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:25,360 So there's this sense of momentum building, 416 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:27,920 both in terms of technology and political will. 417 00:15:27,920 --> 00:15:30,600 Yeah, definitely, and I think that's what gives me hope. 418 00:15:30,600 --> 00:15:33,240 We're finally starting to see the kind of collective action 419 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:35,920 that we need to tackle this problem. 420 00:15:35,920 --> 00:15:38,680 So if we were to summarize everything we've discussed, 421 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:40,560 what would you say are the most important things 422 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:42,040 for our listeners to remember 423 00:15:42,040 --> 00:15:44,680 about these wildfires and climate change? 424 00:15:44,680 --> 00:15:46,920 Well, I think the first thing is that these wildfires 425 00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:50,720 are a tragic reminder of how powerful nature is, 426 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:54,360 and the growing risks we face as the climate changes. 427 00:15:54,360 --> 00:15:55,480 It's a wake up call, anyway. 428 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:58,280 Exactly, and the second thing is that climate change 429 00:15:58,280 --> 00:16:01,040 isn't some abstract problem in the future. 430 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:03,880 It's affecting us right now in really serious 431 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:05,160 and devastating ways. 432 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:07,800 It's no longer a question of if climate change is happening, 433 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:09,880 but how we're gonna adapt to the changes 434 00:16:09,880 --> 00:16:10,840 that are already happening. 435 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:12,600 Absolutely, and the third point, 436 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:14,000 and maybe the most important, 437 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:15,520 is that we can make a difference. 438 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:18,280 We can take action to reduce these risks 439 00:16:18,280 --> 00:16:19,480 and build a better future, 440 00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:21,920 both as individuals and as a society. 441 00:16:21,920 --> 00:16:24,600 It's not a time to give up, but a time to take action. 442 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:26,400 Exactly, we need to stay informed, 443 00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:27,680 get involved in our communities, 444 00:16:27,680 --> 00:16:29,880 support policies that address climate change, 445 00:16:29,880 --> 00:16:32,840 and make changes in our own lives to reduce our impact. 446 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:34,640 It might seem overwhelming, 447 00:16:34,640 --> 00:16:37,080 but even small actions can add up and make a difference. 448 00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:39,600 Absolutely, and I think the more we can connect 449 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:41,120 with each other, share information, 450 00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:43,640 and support each other, the more successful we'll be. 451 00:16:43,640 --> 00:16:46,880 So it's about individual action, collective action, 452 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:49,000 and fostering a sense of hope and community. 453 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:51,360 Exactly, we're all in this together, 454 00:16:51,360 --> 00:16:53,760 and together we can create a better future. 455 00:16:53,760 --> 00:16:55,520 Well, thanks for joining us for this deep dive 456 00:16:55,520 --> 00:16:57,720 into the wildfires in Southern California, 457 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:00,280 and the bigger issue of climate change. 458 00:17:00,280 --> 00:17:02,720 We hope this has been informative, thought-provoking, 459 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:04,600 and maybe even a little inspiring. 460 00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:07,160 My pleasure, and to all our listeners, 461 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:10,800 please stay safe, stay informed, and stay involved. 462 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:12,120 We can make the future we want, 463 00:17:12,120 --> 00:17:14,640 and it all starts with each of us taking action. 464 00:17:14,640 --> 00:17:16,600 And to like time, stay curious, 465 00:17:16,600 --> 00:17:18,360 and keep exploring the world around you 466 00:17:18,360 --> 00:17:20,480 with a critical and compassionate eye.