On Tuesday, November 7, wildfires broke out in the Pacific Palisades of California. The fires have claimed 24 confirmed lives and more than 12,000 homes and structures.

This fire is one of many this year. According to CAL FIRE activity, this year is already over twice the reports of fires for the state. The five year average for CA is a little over half of what the state has seen this year and the average acres burned is a small fraction of the destruction seen by California.

Climate change is the largest contributing factor to California’s wildfires, a growing problem for the state. The temperature is rising slowly over time and not falling back down as far. The warm temperatures and South Ana winds made the fires how they are.

“Statewide annual mean temperatures have increased by about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) since 1895,” California’s OEHHA said in their air temperature report.

The state is in an ongoing drought and estimated by the California Water Watch, “Over the next 20 years, California could lose an estimated 10 percent of its water supplies.” Pumping is unregulated and the water cycle brings less back. Families and residents of California’s wells are drying up and access to water for some is getting worse.

These conditions will only get worse slowly over time. Climate change shows itself in many faces, for example hurricanes and rising sea levels. Hurricane Milton showed its predicted aggressiveness in the ocean, reaching almost impossible levels. Warm ocean waters agitate the winds of the storms. Climate.gov reports that sea levels have risen 8-9 inches since 1880 and the rate of sea level rise is accelerating.

There are ways to help combat climate change. Speak up and sign petitions to make change towards how the Earth is being treated. Improve behavior as a consumer and help conserve energy to give pushback towards emissions and waste.