What in the World cover image

What in the World

Wildfires are burning across Los Angeles

Jan 10, 2025
Esme Stallard, a BBC Climate and Science journalist, sheds light on the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, which have claimed lives and destroyed homes. She discusses how recent extreme weather conditions and climate change are fueling these fires. Personal accounts from residents reveal their harrowing experiences of evacuation and loss. The conversation also touches on the concept of hydroclimate whiplash, examining how fluctuating weather patterns are increasing wildfire risks, igniting a pressing discussion on strategies for prevention and recovery.
15:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have resulted in significant loss of life and property, highlighting the urgent need for community resilience and recovery strategies.
  • Climate change exacerbates the severity of wildfires through prolonged droughts and extreme weather conditions, complicating firefighting efforts and posing economic challenges for affected residents.

Deep dives

Destruction and Chaos in Los Angeles

Current wildfires in Los Angeles are causing unprecedented destruction, resulting in the loss of homes and lives. At least ten people have died, thousands of buildings have been destroyed, and over 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. The chaos has left many residents struggling to breathe amid thick smoke and requiring heavy-duty masks to navigate the streets. For instance, one family had to rely on a neighbor to escape the flames threatening their home, illustrating the urgent and dangerous circumstances many people are facing.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode