Bendix Speaks with the Weather Channel About Climate Change, Drought and Fireworks

June 29, 2022

The Weather Channel

Jacob Bendix

Geography & the Environment Department

Climate Change

United States

Wildfires

The Weather Channel

Jacob Bendix

Each year, thousands of wildfires are sparked on and around the 4th of July. And according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, about half of the country is in some form of drought with approximately 20% in extreme or exceptional drought. Years of drought combined with heat have left tinder-dry landscapes and abundant fire fuels in places like California and parts of the Southwest into the Rockies.

"Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of both drought and extreme high temperatures, and both of these contribute to larger fires and more extreme fire behavior," says Jacob Bendix, professor of geography and the environment. "That means that the chances of fireworks inadvertently starting devastating wildfires are greater than ever."

Read more in the Weather Channel article, "Why Fireworks, Drought and Climate Change Are A Dangerous Combination."