Satellites detect dramatic increases in the frequency, intensity and extent of extreme fires due to global warming. There are plenty of reasons for fires. Human error would be more forgivable if it weren't for warming
Forecaster Danny Rupp referred to the huge fires raging today (Wednesday) in the Jerusalem hills and estimated that there is a high probability that this was intentional arson, since high heat alone cannot ignite a fire. "It could be human error, but it is usually terrorism," he said. This argument is familiar, from American right-wing circles to climate crisis deniers that Channel 14 must copy.
And this is another relatively simple claim of climate deniers. The absurdity of the climate crisis has brought with it the development of ridiculous conspiracy theories, but they are constructed in such a way that those who believe in them will not be convinced by any alternative explanation.
- DEW (Directed Energy Weapons) Theory
– Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed that lasers or electromagnetic weapons from space caused fires in Los Angeles (2018), Canada and Maui (2023), and Texas (2024).
2. Weather engineering and cloud seeding
– Rumors have been spread that the government can make it rain to stop fires.
– Organizations like NOAA and professional meteorologists say that cloud seeding can only be done to a very limited extent, and in Los Angeles the atmosphere is too dry to allow droplet migration. - Land purchase and smart cities
It is claimed that the fires are being started to clear land and establish “smart cities” in line with UN goals. The SmartLA 2028 initiative does address improving transportation and sustainability, but does not include mass demolition or rebuilding.
All of these theories are based on a psychological need for simplicity and order in the face of a major disaster, rather than on scientific evidence.
And what do the data say (before the Trump administration banned NASA and NOAA scientists from speaking out on the subject)? NASA satellites indicate dramatic increase in frequency, intensity, and extent of extreme fires worldwide, especially in the coniferous forests of the western United States and the boreal auroras of North America and Russia. The data, collected by the Terra and Aqua satellites over 21 years, reveal a doubling of extreme fire events compared to the start of the millennium.
Increase in frequency and intensity
A study published in 2021 measured over two million fire hotspots over a long period of time. The results show that the largest increase in extreme fires has occurred in the coniferous forests of the western United States and in the boreal forests of North America and Russia. One of the main contributors to this trend is the warming of nights: Nighttime temperatures have risen significantly, allowing fires to persist into the hours after sunset and spread more quickly.
The fire season is getting longer.
Another study by the U.S. Forest Service, based on 35 years of weather data, found that fire seasons are starting earlier in the spring and ending later in the fall. In parts of the western United States, Mexico, Brazil, and East Africa, the length of the fire season has increased by more than a month since the 80s. This has implications for planning resources and firefighting efforts, which require adjustments to the timing of the danger.
Increase in carbon emissions
Fires are also a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. Global emissions from forest fires increased by about 2001% between 2023 and 60, with fires in boreal forests nearly tripling emissions over the same period. In 2023 in particular, during the hottest and driest conditions since 1980 in Canada, ongoing fires released about 640 million tons of carbon dioxide—almost twice the annual emissions of a small European country.
Anthropogenic factors
While natural weather patterns do affect wildfire risk, research shows that human-induced climate change is the primary driver of increased wildfire risk in the western United States. Rising temperatures, earlier snowmelt, warmer nights, and reduced summer rainfall are creating drier conditions that are conducive to large wildfires. In addition, fire suppression policies over the past few decades have led to a buildup of fuels in forests, making them particularly dangerous hotbeds during dry spells.
Decrease in controlled fires
Since the 80s, there has been a decline in the use of fire for environmental management purposes among indigenous cultures and nomadic agriculture. This has led to a reduction in the amount of area burned in grasslands, savannas, and grassland hills, where fire was previously used to cultivate land and protect ecosystems. International collaboration within the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) provides data on these trends worldwide.
Real-time tools for tracking and response
NASA operates real-time monitoring tools such as FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) and Worldview, which enable fire detection, soot tracking, and analysis of burned area. In addition, the GFED database calculates greenhouse gas emissions based on vegetation type and area burned. This information helps fire decision makers, land managers, and scientists better prepare for accelerated fire seasons.
Reducing health risks from wildfire soot is being done through joint air quality mapping by NASA and NOAA and clients such as AirNow and IQAir. Additionally, a collaboration between NASA and the U.S. State Department provides air quality forecasts to embassies and consulates in 270 locations worldwide, helping to protect government workers and the public from harmful weather.
Fire – a natural process, but the climate crisis has disrupted the balance
Although fire is a natural part of many ecosystems and plays a positive role in maintaining soil health, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires beyond historical levels. NASA satellite data helps us better understand global trends, prepare for them, and reduce environmental, health, and economic damage.
More on the subject on the science website
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"Arson attempts"
There were indeed attempts at arson on the sidelines. According to the Ben Gvir police, the main cause was the negligence of travelers who did not heed the warnings and started a fire.
An Arab named Aklim warmed up to Judaism and made coffee in the middle of the forest