Photo credit: phys.org
The wildfires that ignited on January 7 in Los Angeles, fueled by strong winds, have resulted in the loss of thousands of homes and tragic fatalities, with approximately two dozen lives claimed. The threat to additional residential areas persists as the fires continue to rage.
This catastrophic event is not unprecedented; Southern California has a history of devastating wildfires despite ongoing efforts to create protective measures. As Justin Hollander, a professor at Tufts University specializing in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, points out, living in a region with desert-like conditions inherently carries risks.
In an interview, Hollander discussed how urban planning intersects with natural disaster preparedness and what motivates individuals to reside in hazardous areas.
Do cities like Los Angeles consider potential environmental disasters during urban planning?
While Hollander admits his lack of direct experience in California, he acknowledges that concerns regarding wildfires have been integral to city planning in Los Angeles for a considerable time. The city has incorporated wildfire risk into its environmental emergency planning strategies. However, merely having a plan does not guarantee its execution. Many sound plans created through comprehensive research and community engagement languish without the necessary political commitment for implementation.
What are some potential solutions?
Hollander emphasizes the importance of investing in green infrastructure, which focuses on enhancing urban ecosystems with flora to bolster resilience against various threats. This contrasts with traditional gray infrastructure, which includes essential urban systems like roads and sewers. Green infrastructure can mitigate issues such as the urban heat island effect and reduce fire vulnerability by utilizing native plant species that require minimal upkeep.
Additionally, the concept of “new towns” presents a forward-thinking approach to wildfire risk management. Such towns, designed with urban characteristics, would be developed beyond major cities, featuring parks, public amenities, and transportation options that favor biking, walking, and public transit. In the wake of the recent devastation across Los Angeles County, implementing fire prevention techniques within new urban designs, such as integrating water features like moats for protection, could significantly enhance safety.
Many individuals rebuild in hazardous locations after natural disasters, akin to the rebuilding patterns in hurricane-prone Florida. How much do you think people learn from past natural disasters?
Hollander reflects on a tendency among humans to forget the lessons of history, a phenomenon observable in both Los Angeles and Florida. The aftermath of disasters tends to linger in memory for some time, but as years pass, that urgency often fades.
The region also grapples with the reality of being situated on substantial earthquake fault lines. The Northridge earthquake in 1994 serves as a significant reminder of this danger. Despite these risks, factors such as desirable views, proximity to the coast, job accessibility, and plummeting land prices post-disaster often entice people back to these locations.
And it’s not just in California and Florida.
Natural hazards affect communities nationwide. For instance, New England has faced numerous destructive hurricanes that have historically ravaged coastal towns. Yet, residents consistently return to rebuild, often viewing the risk as manageable. Hollander recalls how a neighbor discussed the devastation caused by a hurricane in New Bedford in 1938 and how the community quickly recovered.
While wildfires in Los Angeles pose a heightened risk, the allure of living in a major global city prompts many to weigh the dangers against the benefits that come with such a location.
In the aftermath of the recent fires, do you believe local authorities will implement stricter building codes for increased safety?
Hollander asserts that history has shown positive responses in the wake of disasters, with building codes evolving over time to minimize fire spread across urban areas. Many cities, particularly in more developed nations, have enhanced their resilience because of previous calamities.
He suggests that local government policies could be improved to address some of the risks posed by wildfires. The integration of new town concepts, along with the embedding of strategic vegetation, water features, and green infrastructure within urban planning, could effectively mitigate risks.
Concerns about insufficient water supplies for firefighting efforts indicate the need for updates to existing codes to bolster safety protections. While challenges persist, Hollander remains optimistic that incremental changes can lead to more effective responses to future disasters, ultimately reducing their impact.
Source
phys.org