As the world ushers in the hottest year on record, wildfires are raging across regions from North America to Europe, fueled by the effects of climate change. Despite advancements in firefighting technologies, experts warn that we are ill-prepared to tackle the escalating intensity of these natural disasters.

Recent blazes in countries like Turkey, Canada, Greece, and the United States have already left vast areas charred, highlighting the urgent need for better planning and preparedness. “We are still actually catching up with the situation,” says Stefan Doerr, Director of the Centre for Wildfire Research at Swansea University in the UK.

The frequency and severity of wildfires are on the rise globally, with predictions suggesting a 50% increase in extreme wildfires by the end of the century. Climate change is a major driver of this trend, but factors like land use and housing developments also play crucial roles.

While firefighting efforts are crucial, they are increasingly insufficient in the face of extreme wildfires. As Jesus San-Miguel, an expert for the European Commission, points out, “We cannot fight the fires. The water evaporates before it reaches the ground.”

Prevention strategies, such as controlled burns, grazing livestock, and vegetation removal, are effective in reducing fuel sources that feed wildfires. However, implementing these measures requires funding and planning from governments, which may have competing priorities and limited budgets.

Local communities must also take proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risks, with some regions like the US Pacific Northwest and Canada adapting to a new normal of high-latitude fires. But as Guillermo Rein from Imperial College London notes, “People have very short memories for wildfires,” often forgetting the lessons learned from past blazes.

The time to act is now. By prioritizing prevention and preparedness, we can better equip ourselves to face the increasing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. Together, we must strive to protect our planet and communities from the devastating impact of these natural disasters.