This chapter discusses the conditions in Maui that led to the recent wildfires, including the presence of flammable non-native grasses, high winds, and drought. It also explores the efforts being made to reduce fire risk and highlights the need for planning and support to make Hawaii more resilient to wildfires.
Hawaii’s landscape has been rapidly changing for the last 200 years thanks to plantations, tourism, and climate change. A reporter and climatologist explain how those factors fueled one of the worst wildfires in US history.
Today’s show was produced by Siona Peterous and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Cristian Ayala, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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