Climate change disrupts natural fire cycles, extending wildfire seasons globally
Original framing: “Wildfires used to ‘go to sleep’ at night. Climate change has them burning overtime - AP News” — AP News (via Google News)
Historically, fire suppression policies in the 20th century led to the accumulation of flammable vegetation. This created conditions for more intense and uncontrollable wildfires today, a pattern repeated in the U.S., Canada, and Mediterranean regions.
The extension of wildfire seasons is not just a climate issue but a systemic failure rooted in colonial land policies, industrial land use, and the neglect of Indigenous fire stewardship.
Historical fire suppression has created fuel loads that now feed mega-fires, while climate change accelerates these conditions. Cross-culturally, fire is often seen as a teacher, not a threat, and Indigenous practices offer a path forward. Integrating these practices with modern science, policy, and community-based planning can create a more resilient future. The key lies in shifting from reactive firefighting to proactive, culturally informed fire management that respects ecological balance and human rights.