Climate change is increasingly recognized as a contributor to extreme weather events, and its potential role in exacerbating the conditions that lead to devastating wildfires is no exception. For instance, the deadly wildfire on Maui, Hawaii, may have been intensified due to climate change. However, while climate change is a significant concern, it cannot be labeled as the sole cause of this catastrophe.
Governor Joshua Green of Hawaii described the destruction in a powerful metaphor, calling it a “fire hurricane.” His choice of words suggests the magnitude of the devastation, and he attributes it, in part, to the adverse effects of climate change.
However, the exact extent to which climate change contributed to this particular Maui fire remains unclear. Wildfires are among the natural disasters with the lowest confidence when it comes to their link to climate change. Many factors contribute to wildfires, and the relative roles of these factors can vary greatly from one event to another.
In the case of the Maui fire, the primary driving factor appears to have been invasive, flammable grasses that cover large parts of Hawaii. These were further intensified by strong winds and the effects of Hurricane Dora. The origin of the fire is suspected to be human-caused, but its spread was undoubtedly accelerated by drought and heat—both of which are amplified by greenhouse gas emissions.
The broader picture shows that Hawaii is increasingly threatened by wildfires due to climate change. This alarming trend was exemplified by the 40,000-acre wildfire on Maui in August 2023. Studies predict a potential 375% increase in the area burned by Hawaii’s wildfires by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate.
Wildfires in Hawaii cause significant ecological damage beyond the immediate destruction of land and property. They threaten local endangered species and cause extensive soil erosion. The resultant runoff into the sea can also damage coral reefs, disrupting marine ecosystems. Therefore, a call to action is imperative. More funding and efforts are needed to prevent and manage these fires, and to mitigate the impacts of climate change that may be contributing to their increasing frequency and intensity.
