Climate change creates wildfires, wildfires create climate change

Living on Earth

During wildfires, huge amounts of nitrous oxide is given off into the atmosphere. “On a molecule-per-molecule basis, nitrous oxide is three hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide,” biologist Bruce Hungate told Living on Earth’s Bruce Gellerman. “That’s a very potent greenhouse gas.”

Those greenhouse gases released during fires can lead to more climate change, which, in turn, can lead to more wildfires. Hungate says, “when we look at things like fire, having more greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere appears to make a longer fire season, a more intense fire season, more likely. The fact that we’re seeing some of those effects now is exactly consistent with what we expect from climate change.”

———————————————————–

Hosted by Steve Curwood, “Living on Earth” is an award-winning environmental news program that delves into the leading issues affecting the world we inhabit. More about “Living on Earth.”

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!