“The major contribution of this study is to connect the dots between specific sources of human-related carbon emissions and recent increases in forest fire activity.”

The new study relies on a key risk factor called the “vapor pressure deficit,” a measure of how “thirsty” the atmosphere is. Hotter temperatures cause moisture to be pulled out of vegetation, turning forests into tinderboxes just waiting for a spark.

#abwildfires #ableg #AlbertaElection23 #climatecrisis

https://grist.org/accountability/study-a-third-of-the-wests-burned-forests-can-be-traced-to-fossil-fuel-companies/

Study: A third of the West’s burned forests can be traced to fossil fuel companies

The new research could advance court cases seeking to hold polluters accountable for climate-fueled disasters.

Grist