Drought and Wildfires Are Spreading To Unexpected Places
CHALLENGES DECEMBER 3, 2024
The autumn of 2024 was the driest in U.S. history, with more than 87% of the country experiencing drought conditions ranging from "abnormally dry" to "exceptional drought." As warming temperatures reshape the environment, droughts and wildfires are increasingly appearing in unexpected places and times.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that drought conditions this year are widespread, with large areas of the Midwest, West, and South enduring some of the worst conditions. Southeastern states like North Carolina and Tennessee known for more temperate and humid climates, are also experiencing dryness. And drought warnings have been issued in the Northeast, disrupting normal seasonal patterns.
The western U.S. is typically the epicenter of devastating wildfires, but this year, fires have ignited in unexpected places. Abnormally dry vegetation and high winds have fueled an unusual spread of wildfires in the Northeast.
While droughts and wildfires are not new phenomena, the intensity and frequency of these events are linked directly to human-driven climate change. According to climate scientists, the warming atmosphere increases evaporation rates, causing soil to dry out more quickly and affecting the availability of water in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Rising temperatures also contribute to the prolonged duration of droughts and intensify the conditions under which wildfires can thrive.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that as the planet warms, droughts will become more frequent and severe, especially in regions that are already prone to arid conditions. This means that the frequency of "exceptional droughts"—like the one currently gripping much of the U.S.—could increase in the coming decades.
Higher temperatures also mean that fire seasons are lengthening. The U.S. has already witnessed how climate change can shift the timing of wildfire seasons, with fires igniting earlier in the spring and continuing longer into the fall. In 2024, the extended dry spells and heat waves have kept wildfire risks high.
The consequences of ongoing drought and wildfire crisis are far-reaching:
Agricultural Losses: Droughts devastate crops, affecting everything from corn and wheat to fruit and vegetable production. Large-scale agriculture, which is heavily reliant on irrigation, is particularly vulnerable.
Water Scarcity: With water supplies shrinking, communities are facing restrictions on water use. Cities that depend on large reservoirs are also facing future water shortages, which could affect millions of people.
Public Health: Dry conditions and wildfires contribute to worsening air quality, which has significant public health implications. Wildfire smoke, which often travels hundreds of miles, can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate conditions like asthma. Studies have also recently linked wildfire smoke to an increased risk of dementia.
Ecological Damage: Droughts and wildfires devastate ecosystems, destroying habitats for wildlife and making it more difficult for vegetation to regrow. This can result in long-term damage to biodiversity and ecosystems that depend on rain.
Economic Impact: The economic toll of ongoing droughts and wildfires is huge. Costs associated with firefighting, disaster recovery, and agricultural losses are rising, putting a financial strain on both state and federal governments. Insurance companies are also facing increased payouts as property damage from wildfires grows.
While adaptation strategies like better water conservation, wildfire preparedness, and improved land management are necessary, the most effective long-term solution is to curb greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more renewable energy.
Governments, businesses, and individuals need to work together to develop and deploy solutions to adapt to our changing climate. Climate disruption is not a future threat; it’s here now, and it’s affecting the lives of millions of people.