The devastating fires in California continue to spread fear, anxiety and sadness, not only among residents of the state but across the US and the world. These fires challenge our perception of nature’s stability and the reliability of seasonal patterns, once considered predictable. People increasingly seek refuge in greener spaces, away from urban centres, as trust in science’s ability to forecast and manage natural disasters is tested. The Palisades Fire, the largest of four major wildfires in Los Angeles County, has burned over 23,000 acres, of which 11 per cent was contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Meanwhile, the death toll now stands at 24. Efforts to combat these fires have been hampered by fierce winds, which not only spread the flames but also disrupted fire control strategies. Aircraft equipped with sensors to monitor fire perimeters have struggled with delayed data due to unpredictable wind conditions. Paradoxically, changing wind directions could also provide unexpected relief by redirecting the flames. Such reliance on unpredictable wind patterns highlights the limitations of current disaster response strategies. This uncertainty has also fuelled conspiracy theories, with some speculating that the fires are part of a broader scheme to destabilise the presidency of Donald Trump. Supporters of this theory claim the fires are intended to undermine his administration at a time when he is focused on expansionist policies and economic recovery. However, critics argue that these theories distract from the real issues, such as climate change, which scientists point to as a key driver of the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires. Instead of addressing climate-related factors like drought, rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns, Trump and his supporters have deflected blame onto state authorities, further politicising the crisis. Such debates overshadow meaningful action to tackle the root causes of these disasters, which demand urgent attention. On a broader level, some observers view these fires as part of a global pattern of interconnected crises. Palestinian-American writer Ahmed Ibsis compares the destruction caused by California’s fires to that experienced in Gaza, arguing that both reflect the devastating impact of human actions on the environment. He highlights research from Lancaster University in the UK, which links global warming to environmental degradation caused by decades of conflict. For instance, Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories, including land bulldozing and infrastructure destruction, have contributed to desertification and significant carbon emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis. Ultimately, natural disasters should not be seen as divine punishment targeting specific groups. Such a notion fails to account for the indiscriminate nature of these events, which affect innocent people and communities. Many victims of the California fires, for instance, have been strong supporters of justice for Palestine, demonstrating solidarity often lacking in other parts of the world. Instead, these disasters should serve as a wake-up call for humanity. They demand thoughtful analysis and collective action to address their underlying causes. We must prioritise sustainable stewardship of the planet, recognising the environment as a shared home for all people, not a resource to be exploited or destroyed. It is through this lens of responsibility and unity that we can move forward, confronting the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation with the seriousness they require. Only then can we hope to mitigate the devastating impacts of future disasters and preserve the Earth for generations to come.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari.
The original version of this article was published in Arabic in Oman Arabic newspaper on January 13, 2025.
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