Michael Wara is a lawyer and an expert in wildfire policy who says that solutions are out there, but face financial, political, and cultural resistance. What’s needed, he says, are “whole-of-society” approaches that raise wildfire risk to the community level. In this regard, the devastation in Los Angeles in 2025 could provide the spark needed for smarter communication, better policies, and renewed urgency on wildfires, Wara tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Wara, a wildfire expert and professor of law at Stanford University.
(00:03:17) Journey to Wildfire Research
How Michael’s clean energy work led to wildfire research.
(00:04:48) Communities at the Frontlines
The community-level challenges and responsibilities in fire prevention.
(00:07:05) Shifting Community Perspectives
How awareness is rising but state efforts remain misaligned.
(00:09:28) Legacy Homes, Modern Risk
Why older homes pose a major risk and retrofitting is crucial.
(00:11:06) The Limits of Utility-Led Safety Efforts
The significant but insufficient progress utilities have made.
(00:14:35) Targeting High-Risk Areas
How utilities now prioritize high-risk areas for safety upgrades.
(00:15:42) Insurance Industry Realities
Why insurers can't price risk without crashing markets.
(00:18:24) Urban Wildfires
How today's major fires in suburbs are mostly fueled by homes.
(00:23:24) The Climate Change Multiplier
The impact of atmospheric dryness and fuel moisture on fire risk.
(00:25:57) New Fire Regulations
Recent mandates that have been implemented to decrease fire risk.
(00:30:58) Hollywood’s Role in Culture Change
Michael’s suggestion to showcase fire-safe landscaping.
(00:33:04) Conclusion
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