We Can’t Stop Wildfires—But Here’s How We Live With Them | Weathered

Climate change is increasing the frequency and devastation of wildfires in the U.S. In this video, scientists and Indigenous leaders describe how changes in landscape design and building materials, plus integrating skills of listening to the land, can lessen the damage done by wildfires.

Through this case study from California, students will learn about adaptations, policies, and innovations that can help people live with more frequent wildfires. Further engagement activities allow students to explore maps and GIS tools to uncover national fire trends as well as analyze fire adaptations at a school in fire-prone California.  

About the Author:

Merek Chang is a high school science teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Southern California. He received his B.S. from UC Davis and an M.A. in education from San Diego State University. He is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and is passionate about uplifting student voices and connecting the community to the classroom through the lens of environmental literacy and civic engagement.