“Welcome to the Pyrocene: The Era of Uncontrolled Burning”

Wildfires have been raging across the globe, from Los Angeles to Colorado, the southern Appalachians, Maui, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and Greece. The intensity and frequency of these fires have raised concerns about the impact of human activities on the environment and the planet’s future.

According to a historian of fire, the relationship between humanity and fire dates back to the existence of humans as a species. The historian argues that humanity’s extensive use of fire, especially in recent centuries, has led to the creation of what can be described as a “fire age,” akin to the ice ages of the past.

The historian highlights the significant shift in fire practices with the widespread burning of fossil fuels, which has altered landscapes and contributed to climate change. The combustion of fossil fuels has led to a new era where fire can occur anytime and anywhere, with devastating consequences for the environment.

The transition to a fossil-fuel civilization has also changed how people interact with fire, from firefighting techniques to urban planning and energy generation. The historian emphasizes the need to reinstate good fire practices, such as controlled burns, to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

The article suggests that Earth is entering a new epoch, dubbed the “Pyrocene,” where fire is the primary driver of environmental changes. The Pyrocene is characterized by the interplay between fires in living landscapes and fires burning lithic landscapes, reshaping the planet in ways that resemble a slow-motion catastrophe.

As wildfires continue to ravage landscapes and communities, the article calls for a reevaluation of human interactions with fire and the environment. It warns that the Pyrocene could lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems, mass extinctions, and disruptions to human life and habitats.

In conclusion, the article underscores the urgent need for sustainable fire practices and environmental stewardship to address the challenges posed by the escalating wildfire crisis. It serves as a wake-up call to the global community to take action to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.