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Getting beyond the headlines to explore the forces and ideas shaping the world

The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

The Inquiry: How can we stop wildfires?

How can we stop wildfires?

13/07/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - The Inquiry, How can we stop wildfires?

Wildfires are getting worse across the world. Why are they more frequent and intense?

Canada is having its worst forest fires. Wildfires are increasing globally. Why are they worse than ever and what should we do about them?

Canada is in the grip of the worst wildfires in recorded history.  Blazes are devouring millions of acres of forest, forcing more than a hundred thousand people from their homes.  Toxic smoke has blanketed cities across North America.  

Why are wildfires getting more frequent and intense across the world?

Part of the reason is climate change, but part of it is also population growth and land management.  The question is, what should we do about it?  How can we stop wildfires?

Contributors:
Mike Norton, Director General of the Canadian Forest Service
Liz Goldman, World Resources Institute
Jon Keeley, senior research scientist with the US Geological Survey and adjunct professor at the University of California
Matt Oakley, fire investigation officer and wildfire officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service 

Presented by Tanya Beckett
Produced by Louise Clarke
Researched by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Edited by Tara McDermott
Mixed by Kelly Young
Production Co-ordinator Brenda Brown

(Wildfires at Lebel-sur-Quevillon in Quebec, Canada June 23 2023. Credit: Frederic Chouinard/Getty Images)

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